Office of Consumer & Family Affairs
Information about the Office of Consumer & Family Affairs (OCFA), which provides information, education and support for children and youth, families, adults and older adults who are dealing with the challenges of mental illness
The OCFA Goal
To facilitate consumer and family input into all aspects of the state-funded mental health system as well as the Bureau of Mental Health Services program planning and policy development. Consumer and family experience is invaluable in the identification of mental health care needs, planning and program development. Consumers and families can tell us what is working for them - and what isn't. Their window on reality will guide and ensure the quality of the services that we deliver. By recruiting, organizing and empowering consumers and families, the OCFA seeks to support them in establishing and maintaining strong input and mental health leadership on a local, regional, state and national level. Leadership and empowerment are gained through information and education – learning the skills to take charge of our own futures – to be active participants in our own treatment planning – to work together toward improving the mental health system. A first step is to be able to access informational resources.
The History of OCFA
Established in 1990 as the Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA), it was one of the first two such offices in the country. There are now offices in over thirty-seven states. The office was re-established in December 2007 as the Office of Consumer & Family Affairs.
OCFA meets with consumer groups, visits peer support and community mental health centers, and listens to families.
OCFA also works closely with:
- NH Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council
- NH Peer Voice
- NH Coalition on Substance Abuse, Mental Health and Aging
- National Alliance for Mental Illness-NH
- NH Mental Health Peer Alliance
The OCFA Newsletter
Published quarterly, the OCFA newsletter features articles and information of interest to service users, their family members and supports. Contact OCFA to be added to our newsletter mailing list.