If the new criteria is permitted the participants of our agency shall not be eligible for services.  We thought that we were doing a "stable" job when our participants were effective in their environment and community. Maybe when they were hearing voices or when they were manic we should have taken them to the hospital rather than provide more intensive services with the assistance from all professionals involved in their care. Hospitalization isn't always necessary and may I add, available) but it sure is more EXPENSIVE.  VA consistently states that there has been a huge increase in the money spent for MHSS but, how much of a decrease did VA receive by shutting down many of the area mental health facilities?? Lets stop counting dollars and see individuals who have goals, dreams and desires to live a productive and healthy life. 

The families and communities of VA shall suffer tremendously with this new change.  In the end, VA shall receive a hospital bill or lawsuit that they cannot afford...... Do not fix what is not broken....our participants have worked for years in order to have balance in their lives.