Mission Statement
PLAN bridges the gap between what the Public System provides and the love and support only a family can give to assure people with mental illness obtain the support they need to recover and experience a better quality of life.

History
Established as a unique entity by NAMI-California and the Mental Health Association of Los Angeles County, PLAN of California was formed to answer the question being asked by families of people with severe mental illness. “Who will care when the family is no longer there?”

Helping a relative with a brain disorder can be difficult in the best of mental health systems. Frequently the only bridge between poverty, extreme illness and social isolation for a person with severe depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder is the love and care provided by their family. Over sixty five percent of people with mental illness live with and receive support from their families. But what happens after the family has died or is no longer able to give that support? That’s when PLAN of California steps in. Originally called “Proxy Parents”, PLAN of California administers Special Needs Trusts for people with mental illness. Just like the family would, it coordinates public and private social services and medical care. PLAN becomes the beneficiary’s friend and advocate assuring a better quality of life for the person who is disabled. Through its “Bridging the Gaps” project established in 2004, PLAN is expanding its services to advocate for all people with mental illness.

All PLAN Board members and Committee members serve as volunteers. PLAN of California is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation developed by families of people with severe mental illness.