Consumer Advisory Council

What is the CAC?
The Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) is comprised of a dedicated group of individuals from various and diverse backgrounds. Many stages of recovery and self-determination are represented in our membership, as are the varying levels of services our members receive from Region Ten CSB. This gives the CAC a distinct perspective, which enables the group to help initiate and foster positive change in our system of care.

CAC Mission Statemement
It is the mission of the Consumer Advisory Council to uphold rights and high quality services for persons affected by mental illness, mental retardation and addiction; promote recovery based systems, increase self-advocacy and empowerment; encourage community membership and educate the public regarding decreasing stigmas and discrimination of persons receiving services.

Our History
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Client Advisory Committee was established in the Fall of 2004. The purpose of the committee was to fulfill the CARF accreditation criteria which called for "input from persons served." The name was later changed to Consumer Advisory Committee and finally to the Consumer Advisory Council. For the first year the focus of the group was primarily to provide input on portocols and procedures within Region Ten that involved consumers.

In 2005 the CAC expanded its involvement to include a broader range of areas that affect the lives of consumers. During this period, officers were elected, a mission statment was adopted, membership doubled and the committee began to function as it does today.

Today the CAC is a recovery oriented, peer support council that promotes empowerment and self-determination and encourages its members to become and stay involved in living a life of meaning and purpose. The CAC reviews and obtains consumer input regarding quality improvement, service satisfaction, service barriers, accessibility concerns and other relevant issues to consumers and the agency.

How Do I Join the CAC?
Any individual who receives services from Region Ten is encouraged and welcome to become a member. General membership meetings are held monthly.