Background
In November 2004, the voters of California approved Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).  Revenues from a one percent tax on incomes exceeding $1 million will be used to expand mental health care for children, youth, adults, and seniors.   The MHSA is guided by five principles designed to transform the system of mental health care in California: Community collaboration: individuals, families, agencies, and businesses work together to accomplish a shared vision. Cultural competence: adopting behaviors, attitudes and policies that enable providers to work effectively in cross-cultural situations. Client- and family-driven system of care: adult clients and families of children and youth identify needs and preferences that result in the most effective services and supports. Focus on wellness, including recovery and resilience: people diagnosed with a mental illness are able to live, work, learn and participate fully in their communities. Integrated service experiences: services for clients and families are seamless.  Clients and families do not have to negotiate with multiple agencies and funding sources to meet their needs.
	Resources
The California Department of Mental Health devotes a section of its web site to the MHSA.  Included are draft funding guidelines, updates on what counties are doing throughout the state, information on stakeholder meetings and other important news. The Santa Barbara County Department of Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services (ADMHS) offers a fact sheet on the MHSA and its Community Services and Supports programs (CSS) in Santa Barbara County (pdf file). The text of the Mental Health Services Act (pdf file) may be viewed online or downloaded. A glossary of mental health, MHSA and recovery terms is also available (pdf file).