Association of County Human Services

The Association of County Human Services (ACHS) is an affiliate organization of the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) and holds non-profit status as a 501(c)(3). ACHS is made up of the county and/or Regional Support Network, program managers, coordinators, administrators or directors who administer state and local programs in chemical dependency, developmental disabilities, and mental health. It is divided into three sections, Chemical Dependency, Developmental Disabilities, and Mental Health. Many counties also provide services in other areas. In most counties, such functions are centralized within the county Community Services or Human Services Department.

Purpose

To act on Washington State executive and legislative branch actions that affect the counties’ administrative, planning, and service delivery responsibilities for human services in the areas of chemical dependency, developmental disabilities and mental health and to facilitate the provision of services in those areas through statewide coordination, advocacy, program development, and quality management. ACHS members meet every other month to discuss county implementation and work with representatives of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) on relevant issues.

Goals

• To act as an affiliate of the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) and serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the WSAC Board of Directors and Legislative Steering Committee in accordance with WSAC bylaws and policies and any applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
• To review, make recommendations on or propose pertinent legislation and related rules and regulations.
• To promote effective working relationships and collaboration between county human services and key state agencies.
• To promote system changes and program development that increases our effectiveness and efficiency.
• To influence the development of statewide compatibility in administrative areas.
• To promote understanding and uniform application of relevant statutes.