"Community" is defined by more than location and/or funding source. The nature of the services and organizations themselves is the essential determining consideration in defining "community", relative to community mental health and addictions programs. Given the importance and implications of understanding what community means, we have adopted the following "Values- Based" definition. The Operational Correlates clarify these principles. "Community" agencies are defined as agencies that demonstrate a commitment to operate services based on values which:

1. Recognize consumer/clients and their families as citizens and work to support and respect their basic human rights and dignity.
2. Provide services to consumers/clients on the basis of their expressed interest, respecting their right to self- determination.
3. Provide any of a broad range of individualized, needs-based services designed to promote "wellness" and generally improve the quality of life of the consumer/survivor, in partnership with the consumers/survivors themselves and other adjunctive services/supports.
4. Involve consumer/survivors, families and other significant stakeholders as participants in the planning, governance, delivery and evaluation of all aspects of the service. Community-based agencies, in addition to traditional lines of accountability, are also accountable to the consumers/clients and communities they serve.
5. Provide services in the least restrictive environment, using the minimum necessary intervention, while maintaining a safe environment.
6. Allow easy access to consumers/clients in their own community, in a reasonably convenient location which is safe and comfortable.