CAMH Strategic Plan 2003 - 2006: Values and Commitments

(listed in alphabetical order)

Client-Centered Practice

Our Commitment: We put the client at the centre of what we do.

We believe that being client-centered means: focusing on the individual needs and strengths of clients/patients; showing mutual respect; and collaborating and promoting client participation. Our commitment is shown through practices such as empowering clients, developing cultural and clinical competencies, and promoting clients' rights.

Continuous Learning  

Our Commitment: We foster creativity, discovery, learning and the sharing of ideas.

We believe that ongoing learning, scholarship and self-scrutiny are vital to CAMH. In the workplace, continuous learning means that everyone at every level makes learning, and using what is learned, part of the job as well as sharing what is learned with others. We will share the results of our learning with others.

Diversity

Our Commitment: We understand and respect each person as unique. We show this respect through sensitivity, dignity and inclusive practices that include people from diverse groups in our decision-making, information-sharing and access to services.

We believe in the principles of equity and access; we recognize the diversity of race, culture, ethnicity, socio-economic class, language/accent, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical and mental abilities, literacy level and immigration/refugee status. We also respect the diversity of communities we serve by having inclusive practices and policies for our governance, service and employment.

Evaluation and Accountability  

Our Commitment: We will continue to improve, monitor and evaluate our programs and services, and we will be accountable to our stakeholders.

We will conduct ourselves in a responsible, transparent and ethical manner, and we will uphold high standards of care and practice. A commitment to continuously measure and evaluate programs/services and outcomes will allow us to improve our operations. We recognize our responsibility to clients/patients, families, staff, physicians, volunteers, funders and the public, to use our resources efficiently and effectively. We will engage our stakeholders and build relationships underpinned by respect, dignity, shared values and shared interests.

Holistic View of Health

Our Commitment: We believe in understanding and helping the whole person, and we believe that public health must be supported in ways that are holistic and focused on recovery.

We believe health is a complete state of physical, emotional and social well being that is influenced by one's environment (including social, cultural, political and other factors). We are committed to a multi-dimensional view of health and illness. Our approach to service weaves evidence-based practice with humanism, wellness and a focus on key broad determinants of health (housing, employment, income and social support). We want a healthy and safe environment for all clients, staff, physicians, volunteers, students and visitors.

Partnership  

Our Commitment: We will build respectful, collaborative and effective partnerships.

We recognize that we are but one participant within the health care system, and our collective work is strengthened through partnership. Successful partnerships are characterized by mutual respect, effective teamwork and open communication. Our partnerships are internal (with clients, their families, staff, physicians and volunteers) and external (with local, provincial, national and international agencies and communities).

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