DCS/LGU Resources

Local Services Planning Process and Guidelines

One of the primary responsibilities of the LGU under Article 41 of the Mental Hygiene Law (MHL) is to develop and annually submit a Local Services Plan (LSP) to each NYS mental hygiene agency. The Mental Hygiene Agencies are the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).  The LSP establishes the local priorities, needs and outcomes for the LGU in the coming year and the metrics used to measure the outcome.  The local plans are approved the by LGU’s Community Services Board, which is comprised of local service providers, consumers and other community members, and are subsequently submitted, approved and “certified” by the state agencies.  

LGUs have been conducting local planning since the 1970s.  The process has evolved into an electronic format through the County Planning System (CPS) which allows local planners to access relevant and timely data resources to conduct needs assessments and planning using one standardized format for all of the three agencies.  The Mental Hygiene Planning Committee includes representatives from the OMH, OASAS and OPWDD, the NYS Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors (CLMHD), and LGUs. The committee meets regularly to guide and update the local planning process to reflect changes and to develop resources that support the work of county planners. This collaboration enables LGUs to conduct local planning in a more integrated fashion that creates system-wide improvements in the quality of services and supports to individuals, families and communities.

Download 2023 Interim Local Services Plan Guidelines

2023 State Agency Planning Priority Guidelines - OASAS

2023 State Agency Planning Priority Guidelines - OMH

2023 State Agency Planning Priority Guidelines - OPWDD

Below are the form links - all three must be completed by Monday, October 31. Please send any questions or requests for extensions to oasasplanning@oasas.ny.gov. 

• 2023 Goals and Plans Form

• 2023 Needs Assessment Form 

• 2023 CLMHD Mental Hygiene Planning Racial Equity Subcommittee Survey

IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE 2023 PLANNING CYCLE: