Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
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Centralizing DCF Substance Abuse and Mental Health Programs Provides Benefits But Also Challenge

Report 05-07, February 2005

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Report Summary

The recent reorganization of the Department of Children and Families substance abuse and mental health programs from a decentralized to a centralized structure provides several benefits, including

  • greater program visibility;
  • greater coordination within and between the substance abuse and mental health programs;
  • faster decision making;
  • increased standardization of policies and practices;
  • enhanced oversight and accountability for facilities, personnel, and contracting.

To fulfill their new responsibilities, central office program managers need to improve communication so that other programs outside of the department are aware of the new structure, and familiarize themselves with local operational and service delivery issues. District program supervisors need to maintain close working relationships with other programs inside and outside the department.

The substance abuse and mental health programs may experience further changes if the department makes them part of the zone structure.

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Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
social services, health, child abuse, mental health, mental illness, emotional disturbance, substance abuse, illegal drugs, prevention, intervention, treatment, outpatient, inpatient, residential institutions, behavioral health, institutions, residential treatment, outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment, detoxification, corporation, managed care, dependent children, children's mental health, residential treatment, qualified evalutors, assessments