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Evaluation and Research Mental Health Program Data has been collected since the Mental Health Program's inception in order to provide periodic reports to funders, and evaluate program progress and effectiveness. The evaluation projects and studies include: outcome studies related to student cohorts, bi-annual Mental Health Curriculum Implementation Surveys, and a Continuous Quality Improvement Study looking at the relevance of the MH Competencies in preparing individuals for work in California's public mental health system. . Ongoing and periodic program evaluation activities are fundamental for (1) learning about the strengths of the student cohorts, and the challenges students encounter in their graduate education and subsequent employment, (2) refining and strengthening the curriculum to better support the development of a diverse workforce for today's mental health systems, and (3) sharing what we learn with other universities, mental health providers and leaders, and policymakers. In its first five years of operation (2005 - 2010), nearly 1,000 MHP students graduated from MSW programs. Each cohort of graduates is ethnically and linguistically diverse. Ninety-four (94%) percent have completed their payback obligation, and over 90% of the first three cohorts have continued to work at a publicly funded mental health agency. Each participating school of social work has addressed the core competencies in academic and field education through specialized seminars, incorporation of competencies into foundation and advanced social work courses, tailored field work experiences, and modules that have been specifically written for the program. University of California, Berkeley School of Social Welfare
Continuous Quality Improvement The Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Study is a multi-phase study to assess the perceived preparedness of MHP graduates for employment in the public mental health system. The assessment of preparedness has operationalized the practice knowledge, skills and attitudes seen as critical for mental health practice, with specific focus on the principles identified by the Mental Health Services Act, and expected in recovery-oriented programs. Participants in the study include MSW graduates from the participating schools of social work in California who participated in the Mental Health Program who have worked in the public mental health system for a minimum of 1 year. Additional participants include a representative sample of line supervisors of newly hired MSW MH Stipend graduates, in county operated mental health and contract CBO organizations regarding their assessment of necessary skills and competencies that new employees should possess. When the CQI report is completed, it will be posted on the website. County Workforce, Education, and Training Plans: Preliminary Findings |
