Governance refers to the interagency entity and operating structure authorized to make decisions and set strategic direction for activities, tasks, and functions associated with building, implementing, and sustaining systems of care and providing oversight for their implementation. This entity is responsible for developing interagency solutions to address the needs and challenges of a specific target population and/or geographic area.
The governance body is composed of local, county, State, tribal, or neighborhood administrators, family members, program specialists, and service delivery staff. For the infrastructure to operate effectively, members must demonstrate a commitment to systems of care principles and develop rules, procedures, roles, and expectations for members, committees, staff, and other individuals involved in the systems of care effort.