CAPITAL AREA HUMAN SERVICES

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.

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.

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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