Who funds the Wyoming SAGE System of Care?

Wyoming's SAGE System of Care is a $9 million, 6-year System of Care grant from the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), awarded to the Wyoming Department of Health's Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division.

 

What is a System of Care?

A nationwide movement to empower families and youths to drive the WAY mental health care is provided for children and youth with serious behavioral and emotional challenges and their families. 

A system of care is a coordinated network of community-based services and supports that are organized to meet the challenges of children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families.

Families and youth work in partnership with public and private organizations to design mental health services and supports that are effective, that build on the strengths of individuals, and that address each person's cultural and linguistic needs.

A system of care helps children, youth and families function better at home, in school, in the community and throughout life.

 

What needs to change?

In 2003, the President's New Freedom Commission studied mental health care in America, and found that Americans with mental illness face three barriers to receiving high quality help:

1. Stigma - Negative stereotypes and myths about mental illness that prevent citizens from seeking help.
2. Fragmentation - People with mental health challenges often need help in many areas of their lives, from many different types of helpers.  When all of these helpers do not communicate well and work together as one, people get "lost" in a maze.
3. Disparities in Access to Services - Some people who do not have financial means and health insurance or Medicaid are not able to receive high quality mental health care. 

 

What are the Guiding Principles and Core Values of a System of Care?

• Family-Driven
• Youth-Guided
• Culturally and Linguistically Competent
• Comprehensive
• Individualized
• Flexible
• Community-Based

How will we accomplish these changes in Wyoming?

• Inviting families and youths to be leading partners in the systems change effort.
• Partnering with many agencies and people at the Federal, State, and community levels.
• Studying and changing State policies where needed to support systems change.
• Inviting Wyoming communities to be SAGE System of Care pilot sites.
• Providing opportunities for statewide training and education.
• Engaging in a statewide campaign to reduce stigma.
• Participating in the Federal outcomes study to research the most effective ways to help children and families.
• Working with communities to make sure children and families from all cultures are helped in a way that works best for their culture and language.
• Continuing to build communities' capacities to serve children and youth in their home communities.