Table 2.

Short definitions of the different types of policy-related documents identified

Policy document	Explanation of the document
Stand-alone mental health policy	Defines the vision for the future mental health of the population, specifying the framework which will be put in place to manage and prevent priority mental and neurological disorders
Stand-alone child and adolescent mental health policy	Defines the vision for the future mental health of the children and adolescents, specifying the framework which will be put in place to manage and prevent priority mental and neurological disorders
CAMH plans	Is a pre-formulated detailed scheme to implement the vision and objectives defined in the child and adolescent mental health policy. It includes the concrete strategies and activities to be implemented and specifies targets to be achieved by the government. It clarifies the roles of the different stakeholders in implementing the activities of the mental health plan
Mental health legislation	Regulates mental health care co-ordinates access to services. It sets out the rights and duties of patients and providers, and explains how the property of mentally ill persons may be dealt with in a court of law
General health policy	Defines the vision for the future health of the population, specifying the framework which will be put in place to manage and prevent priority health disorders
Strategic plan	Outlines the broad strategic goals for the department
Annual performance plans	Sets out a framework to align strategic plans and annual performance plans. Puts emphasis on the outcomes oriented monitoring and evaluation approach