Advocacy

Benchmarks provides a unified and expert voice on seeking
quality services for child welfare, mental health,
substance use, intellectual and developmental
disabilities. Benchmarks' staff understand behavioral health and
what is necessary to effectively influence the various aspects
of the human services network including the local, legislative
and state entities, private and public provider and funding
sources that are a part of this system.

Advocacy efforts are educational and focus on high quality,
effective and efficient practices. Advocacy and education
are essential to Benchmarks and to the state so that those children,
adults and families with vital needs for support are not overlooked
but instead are equipped with a system of support to live with
independence and dignity.

Legislative Support

Benchmarks provides representation before the legislature
and state agencies on policy and implementation
issues impacting member services and funding. Grass roots
advocacy, studies to support quality behavioral healthcare
services, and proactive legislative work to introduce bills
supporting member needs are all a part of the daily and
ongoing work of Benchmarks.

Benchmarks provides input on policies and programs to state
agencies housed under DHHS including The Division of
Medical Assistance, The Division of Mental Health,
Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services,
The Division of Health Benefits, and The Department of
Social Services among others. Benchmarks is a proactive
partner and facilitates regular face to face meetings with
legislators and departmental staff in order to ensure the
development and fiscal support of programs that improve
the outcomes for those in need of behavioral health,
child welfare and human services.

Workgroups

Benchmarks' members collaborate through a number of
“member workgroups”. Workgroups include teams focused on
child welfare, mental health, substance use,
intellectual/developmental disabilities services and quality
practices. Members can join groups and network statewide
for information and problem-solving with fellow members,
state leadership and legislators. Our forums generate an
exchange of ideas and provide a venue for questions
and answers.

Benchmarks' members have ongoing opportunities to meet
with state leadership, including executive teams from
NC LME/MCOs. Members also participate in collaborative
Public/Private Behavioral Health Forums throughout the
year at a discounted rate. Benchmarks' staff and members
collaborate with national, state and local organizations
through a breadth of relationships and dialogue with experts
from fellow nationally accredited members who share a
commitment to best practices.

Information Sharing

In addition to information shared through workgroups,
members benefit from various communications and reports,
as well as organization management and training programs
conducted at various locations throughout the state and
offered at preferred pricing to members of Benchmarks.

Members receive regular email updates regarding state
fiscal and policy issues, including updates from legislative
committees and commissions.
Our regular communications provide members with updates
on the most pertinent issues affecting your organization,
including key program initiatives that are upcoming or
in the process of being planned.

Resources

Benchmarks provides its members a breadth of resources
and support services. In addition to industry and legislative
reports, member workgroups, educational and training
programs, and management support, resources include
critical relationships with national and state organizations
that are a part of the human services network, vital to
member education and operations. We also provide
personal troubleshooting of issues your agency may be
facing with payments, licensure, service expansion and
mergers/acquisitions.

Lists of outside resources and the organizations that provide
Benchmarks and its members vital support in the areas of
child welfare, mental health, substance use, and
intellectual/developmental disabilities can be found on our
Resources page.