History and Goals of the KMA
History of the Bear Paw KMA
The decision to begin this program was made possible through a KMA Exploration Grant which allowed the Hill County Health Department to meet with parents, community members, and service providers to determine the need for a KMA in this area. The Health Department received a grant in October 2006 for the Bear Paw Kids Management Authority (KMA) to help coordinate services for children and youth with serious mental health issues. The KMA continues to be a collaborative effort among parents, community members and service providers to ensure that youth and families receive the services they require.
Although the KMA office is located in the Hill County Courthouse Annex, the program serves families in Hill and Blaine counties, including Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy Reservations. The Bear Paw KMA is currently in the process of infrastructure building. Bear Paw KMA staff include a Project Coordinator, Evaluation Technician, Parent and Youth coordinators. The parent and youth coordinators have had recent personal experience with serious mental health issues and act as advocates for families and youth. As of February 2007, only the Project Coordinator and Evaluation Technician have been hired.
KMA and SOC Mission, Vision, and Goals
The philosophy of the KMA ensures that parents and youth are involved in planning and implementing policies as well as participating in decisions about their own treatment plans.
The KMA’s are part of the state System of Care with the goal to empower individuals and families to learn how to successfully manage a mental illness, strive toward recovery, and go on to live fulfilling, productive lives. Bear Paw KMA is a collaboration of service providers, community members, parents, and youth working to identify, develop, implement, and evaluate a tailored set of services that meet individual and family needs. The goal is to keep children and youth in their homes or as close to home as possible for them to receive the services that they need.
Bear Paw KMA Vision
Our ultimate goal is a mentally well community.
Bear Paw KMA Mission
The
Bear Paw KMA Goals
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Native and non-Native communities working together to provide services for all families
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Decrease disparity in services for those with mental health coverage and those without
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Connecting parents and youth in similar situations to help build support networks
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Educate community about mental health issues and reduce stigma associated with mental illness
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Care plans and groups developed by families themselves to reflect individual needs of the family
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Encourage collaboration and use of flexible funds to provide non-conventional services
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Encourage families to advocate for additional community resources
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Provide families with the tools for success in the community