In order to analyze the participation of social control instances of SUS-Bahia State Mental Health Policy was elaborated a model of analysis based on the theory of public policy cycle of John Kingdon. The analysis of the proposals of the Mental Health Conference, the protocols of the State Board of health, the Department of Health documents of the State and the content of the interviews with seven key informants allowed to infer that the conferences presented proposals in line with the psychiatric reform, however, the Council hasn't consolidated these proposals and it wasn't intentional for the formulation and implementation of such a policy at the State level.
Social participation; Health councils; Health conferences; Mental health; Public policies
