Housing for seriously and persistently mentally ill: Study of community integration

Abstract

The study examines the relationship between the views of administrators of state mental health agencies concerning the housing and community integration of the seriously and persistently mentally ill versus the actual policies that exist in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Additionally, attitudes toward community integration among line staff, supervisors, and directors at outpatient psychiatric clinics, residential programs, and advocacy groups are compared in the three states. The study also contrasts specific policy recommendations expressed by the participants with the actual activities by the states designed to assist in community integration and provide housing for the seriously and persistently mentally ill.;The results of this study point to deficiencies and inconsistencies in efforts to assist the seriously and persistently mentally ill with community integration, indicate the tendency to stigmatize them, and suggest strategies for advocacy for the SPMI. Important differences in attitudes toward community integration among the groups of participants were detected. This study identifies venues of future research in this area and suggests new methodological approaches. These findings are important for consumers, their families, advocates for rights of the SPMI, practitioners and policymakers at all levels.