State mental health policy: developing statewide consumer networks

Statewide consumer networks (SCNs) that provide direct services, advocacy, and technical assistance to smaller consumer-operated services have emerged over the past 15 years. As states seek to include the "consumer voice" in systems transformation and to support consumer-operated services, the expertise, community-organizing, and advocacy skills offered by networks are assets to all stakeholders. This column examines models currently in use by SCNs in six states. It compares their developmental histories and organizational, leadership, and decision-making models to provide guidance to other states that wish to develop strategies for organizing, supporting, and sustaining SCNs.