Program Membership
CIPA is an inclusive organization that believes its role is to elevate community integration standards; therefore, any program providing Community Integration services qualifies for membership. The application follows a self-selection process, rather than a board approval.
- Directory listing for visibility
- Access to shared clinical and DEI resources
- Participation in collaborative research
- Attendance at quarterly meetings
- Networking with other member programs
- Use of CIPA branding and credibility
- Includes three individual seats
- + all benefits from professional membership level
Program Commitments & Ethics Statement
All programs agree to uphold the CIPA ethics statement and the program commitments to be considered for membership, and maintain ongoing membership status.
Program Commitments
Community Integration Requirements
Services are committed to supporting client’s integration in their home community, and services are provided in the least restrictive environment.
Staff commitment is to support successful experiences that foster a more purposeful life.
The program supports creating pathways for the client to participate in community organizations, such as independent work, education, or volunteer activities.
The team must meet at least once per week to discuss client care.
A majority of direct care staff should be employed directly by the program rather than subcontracted.
Support provided in the community should relate directly to clients’ treatment plans.
Programs provide regular staff training appropriate to the level of care provided.
Client Voice and Involvement in Program
Programs prioritize client informed consent in treatment planning and service delivery.
Programs maintain an appropriate staff-to-client ratio, commensurate to the level of acuity they serve.
Policies ensure regular client input in program planning and client-driven treatment plans. Clients should have opportunities to give feedback and participate in the betterment of their treatment.
Staff are provided with weekly and ad-hoc supervision in order to serve the clients in the way they need to be served.
Ethics Statement
Our work is guided by the principles of transparency, integrity, and accountability, ensuring that all stakeholders—including program participants, families, providers, and community partners—can trust in our treatment practices and decision making.
We believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive in the least restrictive environment possible. To uphold this belief, we adhere to the following ethical commitments:
Transparency & Honesty – We are dedicated to open communication regarding program goals, methodologies, outcomes, and challenges. We provide clear, accurate, and accessible information to the public, ensuring that the benefits of community integration are widely understood and continuously improved.
Dignity & Respect – We honor the autonomy, rights, and diverse experiences of individuals living with mental illness, ensuring they have a voice in shaping their recovery journey.
Equity & Accessibility – We advocate for fair and inclusive access to community integration resources, recognizing that support should be tailored to individual strengths and needs.
Continuous Improvement – We are committed to evidence-based practices, ethical decision-making, and ongoing evaluation to enhance program effectiveness while reducing unnecessary psychiatric hospital stays and institutional disconnection.
By adhering to these ethical principles, we strive to build a future where individuals are empowered to sustain recovery, contribute to their communities, and lead fulfilling, independent lives.
Member programs of CIPA are expected to:
Uphold Transparency & Accountability – Provide clear, accurate, and accessible information about program methodologies, outcomes, policies, and governance to participants, families, and stakeholders.
Prioritize Participant Dignity & Autonomy – Place participants at the center of their own treatment team by developing personalized care plans that reflect their goals, preferences, and needs. Empower participants to take an active role in their own care to shape their recovery and integration journey in the least restrictive environment.
Maintain High Standards of Care – Follow best practices and evidence-based models that promote recovery, independence, and social inclusion.
Promote Equity & Accessibility – Ensure that services are inclusive, fair, and responsive to the diverse needs of participants.
Foster Collaboration & Community Engagement – Foster strong and transparent partnerships across healthcare, education, employment, and recreational sectors to create sustainable pathways for individuals to engage fully in society.
Commit to Continuous Improvement – Regularly evaluate program effectiveness and integrate research, feedback, and innovation to enhance community integration efforts.
Individual members of CIPA are expected to:
Act with Integrity & Professionalism – Conduct themselves ethically in all professional and community interactions, maintaining honesty and respect in their advocacy and work.
Respect Confidentiality & Participant Rights – Uphold the highest privacy standards and respect the autonomy of individuals receiving services.
Support Recovery-Oriented Care – Promote the values of independence, personal agency, and community engagement for those with mental illness.
Advocate for Ethical & Effective Practices – Champion evidence-based approaches to community integration and work to reduce institutionalization and stigma.
Engage in Continuous Learning – Stay informed on best practices, policy developments, and emerging research in the field of community integration.
By adhering to these ethical principles, both programs and individuals contribute to a shared vision of fostering independence, and ensuring that those with mental illness have the opportunity to participate fully in their communities.