Community mental health boards: a comparison of their development, functions, and powers by board members and mental health center staff

Abstract

Orientations toward citizens' board functioning in a community mental health setting were studied in an urban setting involving 18 community-based mental health centers. Four groups were interviewed: citizen board members, board chairpersons, center staff, and center directors. Groups generally agreed that the primary function of a board is to make certain that community needs are met. Board members and professionals differed in perceptions of reasons for joining boards and, more important, the degree of involvement board members should have. Board members saw their role as advisory, staff favored codecision or advisory, directors favored codecision, and charipersons wanted a stronger board role.