Poverty in Spirit

Circles of Care Initiative

In terms of best practice models for mental health programs, a February 2006 conference about American Indian and Alaska Native communities discussed the Circles of Care Initiative. This U.S. federal program offers funding for the planning, design, and feasibility of culturally appropriate mental health service models for children with serious emotional disturbances and their families.

The first cycle of grantees from the program followed participatory planning and evaluation to make sure their program fit their specific community. By recognizing tensions from diversity in culture, traditions, and rural-urban-reservation issues, the programs were more successful in establishing spirituality and values.

"The participation of consumers, family members, tribal leaders, and spiritual advisors in the planning process is critical to the design and development of services that are based on values and principles of the American Indian and Alaska Native community," believes Charles Curie, administrator of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.