Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Justification Review of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Program

Report 99-09, September 1999




Report Summary

The Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Program provides prevention, intervention, and treatment services to reduce the occurrence, severity, and disabling effects of mental health and substance abuse problems. The department is charged with treating program clients with the most appropriate services in the least restrictive setting. The Department of Children and Families contracts for client services with approximately 280 private for-profit and not-for-profit providers that deliver a variety of services, such as residential treatment, outpatient treatment, and case management services. During Fiscal Year 1997-98, the program reported providing services to approximately 351,000 clients.

  • The program is a benefit to Florida taxpayers and should be continued
  • The program should remain within the Department of Children and Families
  • The program is already highly privatized
  • The program is generally effective in achieving its goals
  • Service delivery is not well coordinated for some clients
  • Further improvements needed to the program's accountability system
  • Legislative and department actions needed to expand use of managed care contracts


Related Reports
  1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Corporation Has Not Addressed Its Responsibilities Fully
    Report 05-17 March 2005
  2. Centralizing DCF Substance Abuse and Mental Health Programs Provides Benefits But Also Challenge
    Report 05-07 February 2005
  3. Progress Report: Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Program Taking Steps to Implement Recommendations
    Report 01-34 August 2001
  4. Mental Health Institutions Program
    Report 00-13 October 2000
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
social services, health, mental illness, mental health, substance abuse, privatization