One of the goals of mental health reform is to create local systems of care that will ensure access to a broad range of community-based services and support, and provide choices for people with mental illness. These local systems of care will enable them to set and realize their personal goals, and acquire the skills and resources needed to achieve independence and well being.

In order to achieve this goal, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has established nine regional task forces. These Mental Health Implementation Task Forces are working to foster a positive climate for change in the community, consistent with the ministry's Mental Health policy as contained in "Making It Happen", and looking at ways to :

• Provide a greater range of services in the community;
• Improve access to mental health services;
• Tailor services to those with mental health needs;
• Link services so those with mental illness can move seamlessly within the system;
• Ensure services are based in best practices.

The task forces will be developing recommendations on how best to implement reforms to the mental health system by December 2002.