History and Accomplishments

Started in 1969, CASRA has consistently been on the forefront of providing and developing innovative responses to the needs of adults with psychiatric disabilities. CASRA member agencies serve over 75,000 Californians annually.CASRA's member agencies were among the first in the nation to develop a system of community-based residential treatment alternatives to institutional care. CASRA played a significant role in developing licensing regulations and was instrumental in setting standards for the California Department of Mental Health certification of residential treatment programs.

  • In 1978, CASRA sponsored the Community Residential Treatment System Act that created over 200 residential treatment, vocational and socialization programs throughout California. This seminal piece of legislation was the first in California to encourage the hiring of persons with mental disabilities as staff.

  • In 1984, CASRA sponsored legislation extending mental health insurance reimbursement to residential treatment programs.

  • In 1985, CASRA helped draft the Community Support System for Homeless Mentally Disabled Persons and the Community Vocational Rehabilitation System Acts.

  • In 1990-92, CASRA helped author the California Master Mental Health Plan, the rehabilitation option amendment to the federal Medicaid plan and the legislation which realigned the manner in which local mental health services are administered and funded.

  • In 1992-96, CASRA contributed to the development of the first national registry for social rehabilitation practitioners.

  • In 1999, CASRA completed an extensive review of the literature regarding the need for changes to statutes governing involuntary commitment. Based upon the literature review, an examination of what is allowable under current California statues, and in recognition of the lack of voluntary services, CASRA voted to oppose expansion of involuntary treatment laws.

  • In 2002, CASRA produced a Curriculum for the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Practitioner. The Curriculum is used for in-service training, for certificate and associate degrees programs at the community college level and is being adapted for use in bachelor and masters degree social work programs.