CAHSD – How We Work
We provide locally responsive services through a unique management model: local control & local authority.
What is our purpose?
The Capital Area Human Services District was created by the Louisiana Legislature, direct access to community-based services, for citizens living with mental illness, developmental disabilities and/or addictive disorders.
What area do we serve?
The District includes the seven parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana.
How does local management work? How does it benefit the community it serves?
I. Oversight by Board of Directors
Management and oversight are provided by a board of community volunteers. This structure provides greater accountability and responsiveness to the local communities.
II. Financial Flexibility
The District is allowed to retain all federal funds, self-generated funds and any funds collected under the Medical Assistance Program (Title XIX-Medicaid) in excess of funds provided in the general appropriation act which are collected for the provision of services. These funds are placed in a separate account (Escrow), and use of these funds is determined based on recommendations from CAHSD staff and approval of the Board of Directors.
III. Streamlined Contract Approval
Under the Louisiana Procurement Code, the District is allowed to let contracts directly.
IV. HIring Flexibility
Operates without Limitations of Table of Organization
Pre-established tables of organization (T.O.) formulated by the Division of Administration through the budget development process limits the number of employee positions an organization can have at any given time. The CAHSD is exempted from this limitation and is allowed to create essential operational and services positions as needed and as funding allows.
V. Multi-disciplinary, Cross Program Planning
Management/community driven, Board directed strategy
Enhanced management efficiency by shifting from program-segregated, competing funding needs, to a highly efficient, integrated management structure which streamlined three offices into one, with one executive director as lead administrator to oversee the agency.
• Improves Geographic Access
• Expand Access to Services – Local accountability to all 7 parishes through Board oversight expands service access.
• Facilitates Prevention Focus and Early Intervention – Saves Lives and Prevents Disabilities
• Strategically Seeks Community Input – Community driven planning to: identify needs and resources, and to implement needed services
VI. Community Partnerships
Serves as community convener, developing a system of care.
Partnerships or collaborations have increased awareness of, and referrals to, CAHSD's services, helped to address the stigma associated with disabilities, and served as a means to implement prevention and early intervention strategies.
VII. Staff & Provider Training/Community Training
The purpose of the Staff Development Program is to provide: training to meet professional licensure and certification requirements; cross training across the three disability areas; “best practice” approaches to address client needs; and other training to fulfill objectives identified in the Strategic Plan.
A sample of topics includes:
- Police Training
- Relapse Prevention
- Compulsive Gambling
- Overview of Developmental Disabilities Services: Who is Eligible and How to Assess Them
- Side Effects of Medication and Adverse Drug Reactions
- Treatment of the African American Client
- Working with Intravenous Drug Abusers
- Confidentiality
- Assessing the Suicidal Client
- Working with Clients in Spiritual Crisis
- Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Laws
- Undoing Racism
- Treatment of Clients with Co-occurring Disorders
- Implementing the Carver Model: Board Governance
For further information on our organization, it’s goals and processes
click on and review the following publications:
CAHSD Strategic Plan
CAHSD Five Year Report
LA Model for a Local System of Care
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