About Us

The Southern Area Consortium of Human Services (SACHS) was established in 2001 and consists of human services directors from the Southern California counties of Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. In addition, the directors from California State University, San Bernardino Department of Social Work and San Diego State University, School of Social Work are also members. SACHS is facilitated by the Academy for Professional Excellence.

Mission

The Southern Area Consortium of Human Services, a county/university partnership, is a forum for county directors to explore and exchange ideas and information on issues facing public human services and to develop strategies for addressing these issues while maintaining a holistic, person-centered approach, and a social equity lens. SACHS engages in strategy discussions, fiscal planning, research, policy development, executive development, and succession planning to improve the quality, accountability, and responsiveness of human services in the Southern California region.

Vision

SACHS provides dynamic and influential leadership, cutting-edge knowledge, and best practices in the county human services arena, impacting social policies and advancing organizational excellence and social equity to help create safe, healthy, and thriving individuals, families and communities in the Southern California region.

Structure and Objectives

• Convene four quarterly meetings in the Southern California Region
• Invite special audiences (e.g. fiscal, program, or legislative staff) based on presentation topics
• Identify local, state, and national subject matter experts to present on strategic issues currently being faced by SACHS counties
• Provide a forum for directors to share issues that they are currently dealing with and to discuss potential strategies and best practices for addressing these issues
• Conduct research to inform planning, goal setting, decision making, and project management regarding critical issues (See Research)
• Infuse strategic issues and social equity practices into the Leaders in Action curriculum
• Coordinate efforts with other consortia regarding statewide research objectives
• Form a strategic coalition that works in collaboration with CWDA to influence policy and legislative initiatives that impact the Southern California region
• Facilitate collaboration between San Diego State University/ California State University, San Bernardino and SACHS Counties to enhance the public human services workforce by better aligning graduate characteristics and agency needs

Succession Planning

During SACHS’ first year, a majority of the discussions centered on succession planning, and how to meet each department’s future needs for effective leaders/managers. These discussions would later lead the way for the creation of Leaders in Action, an executive level leadership development program designed specifically to address Southern California’s succession planning needs. Leaders in Action is a partnership between SACHS, San Diego State University, and the Academy for Professional Excellence.

Annual Report

Click here for the SACHS FY 20-21 Annual Report.

ADA Statement

The Academy for Professional Excellence and the Southern Area Consortium of Human Services is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that appreciates and builds on diversity. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended, The Academy for Professional Excellence prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. To request accommodations, please contact your county’s Human Resources representative.