Consumer and Family Advisory Committee

The Consumer and Family Advisory Committee (CFAC) is a group of individuals or the family members of individuals who receive services through a Partners Health Management Health Plan.

The committee gives a voice to people who receive services for mental health, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) or traumatic brain injuries by providing important input into Partners’ business processes.

The committee is self-governing and operates under the requirements of North Carolina general statute 122-C-170 (a) Local Community and Family Advisory Committees.

CFAC’s Mission

Partners Health Management’s Consumer and Family Advisory Committee (CFAC) will lead the efforts to create a community where:

• People with disabilities and their families are valued and treated with dignity.
• Stigma, associated attitudes, bias and other barriers are removed.

Partners CFAC will work to make sure state-operated services and community-based programs are compliant with the protected rights of the people who receive services and supports and that the referrals identified are appropriate for treatment needs. Partners CFAC will work to develop, maintain and advance meaningful relationships with members, families, and advocacy organizations.

Partners CFAC will support the development of appropriate service capacity and effective use of resources to meet the needs of members and families in our service areas. We are committed to the right of choice for individuals and the fair and timely response to grievances and complaints. We strive to be educated on and participate in issues affecting members in our service areas.

CFAC in Action

Members of CFAC must either have received services or must have a family member who has received services in Partners’ counties and be willing to:

• Attend and actively take part in regular meetings.
• Receive training for their role on the committee.
• Make efforts to be informed about issues affecting persons with disabilities.
• Work with Partners’ committees and its Board of Directors to create a quality, person-centered system of services and supports that is fair and accessible.
• Develop action plans to deal with issues and concerns about the core functions of Partners, as defined by state law.
• Participate on committees at the local, state and agency levels to improve the public behavioral health system.

Shirley B. Moore Scholarship Fund

The Shirley B. Moore Scholarship Fund promotes education and training for the members, recipients and their families in the counties served by Partners Health Management. Curriculum should focus on intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health, substance use disorders, traumatic brain injuries or overall physical health and wellness. As supporters of our loved ones, friends and our communities, it is important to gain and retain knowledge about policies, services, resources and advocacy.

To offer scholarships to as many people as possible, awards are limited to $500. Scholarships are for members /recipients (or family members/caregivers/guardians) receiving services in one of Partners counties. Please see the additional eligibility guidelines section at the end of this document.