Advancing Dignity, Equality & Self-Determination

One of the most important responsibilities of DBH/MRS is to protect the rights and interests of the people we serve. In order to effectively advocate for the rights of people with behavioral health challenges and mental retardation and their families, DBH/MRS has established collaborative partnerships with other organizations dedicated to advancing service delivery.

DBH/MRS protection and advocacy partnerships include the following organizations and initiatives:

• The Consumer Satisfaction Team- a peer and family-driven organization that partners with DBH/MRS to ensure providers meet the needs of people in recovery.
• PRO-ACT- a grassroots, volunteer-based recovery support organization.
• Legislation- impacting people with behavioral health issues and/or mental retardation.
• Parents Involved Network- a statewide organization that assists parents of children with emotional and behavioral disorders.
• Philadelphia NAMI Affiliates- Local chapters of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization.
• Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania- a statewide non-profit organization responsible for protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities.
• Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania- a non-profit organization offering education and advocacy programs that advance the delivery of mental health services in the region.