​​ISSUE BRIEF:  Performance Outcome Data

It is in the best interest of the state and local communities
to know the impact (life outcomes) of local behavioral health offerings.1

Need to Standardize

Each of CA’s 59 mental/behavioral health agencies collect and report on different performance outcome data, with some providing meaningful data, and some providing very little performance outcome data. Proposition 1 (2024) requires standardization. Below is frequently reported data: 

Suggested Data Points
(also see Notes: 2 and 3 below)

Children & Youth
School-based Wellness (Attendance, Grades, Classroom Behavior)
Standardized Screening /Assessment
Reporting by Self/Family

Criminal Justice Involvement
Incarceration/Diversion (# of Days, 
    # of Arrests, Referral/Placement)

Employment
Progress toward Credentials/Education
Competitive
Sustained

Hospitalizations
# of Hospitalizations
Days Hospitalized
Emergency-Room Visits
Crisis Psychiatric Visits

Housing/Homelessness 
Permanent Housing
Days of Homelessness

Wellness
Self-Reported
Standardized Screening/Assessment

1 “Behavioral Health” includes mental health & substance use.
2 Data should include race/culture/ ethnicity/LGBTQ+ and age.
3  Very small counties may need to report trends instead of numbers.

California Law

California Law WIC 5613 (a) specifies
that counties shall annually report data on performance measures to the local behavioral health board and to the Director of Health Care Services. Counties’ behavioral health systems shall provide reports and data in consultation with:
 
County Behavioral Health Directors
Association of CA
 
CA Dept of Health Care Services (DHCS)*
 
Behavioral Health Services Oversight &
Accountability Commission (BHSOAC)*
 
 
CA Health & Human Services Agency
 
CA Behavioral Health Planning Council **
 
 
On the local level, it is the duty of:
California’s 59
Local Mental/Behavioral Health
Boards & Commissions to review and
comment on performance outcome data to the CA Behavioral Health Planning Council.
(WIC 5604.2(7))
*    DHCS shall establish metrics, in consultation with counties, stakeholders, and the BHSOAC.
**  CBHPC is tasked with reviewing and approving the performance outcome measures. (WIC 5772 and WIC 5612)
 
Link to WIC (Google Doc   Word)

PROMISING DATA

ALL COUNTIES

​Links to performance outcome data for all counties/juridictions (Medi-Cal, SAMHSA and MHSA).
View Performance Outcome Measure sections of  CA Welfare & Institution Code effective January 1, 2025: Google Doc   Word

OFFICE

717 K STREET, SUITE 427
SACRAMENTO, CA 95814

mission

cALBHB/C supports the work of california's 59 local mental/ behavioral health boards and commissions by providing resources, training, and opportunities for communication and statewide advocacy.

Local boards are responsible for reviewing community mental health needs, services, facilities and special problems, and serve in an advisory capacity to local governing bodies and local mental/behavioral health directors per CA Welfare and Institutions Code 5604.2.
Donations are welcome. CALBHB/C is a nonprofit organization.