[Current social workers' task: promoting a life model].

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services
• Social Work Policy
• Community Psychiatry

Context:

• The 1997 Psychiatric Social Workers Act in Japan established professional certification for psychiatric social workers.
• This legislation aims to facilitate the discharge of mental health patients into community settings.
• The development of a robust community care system necessitates equal partnership among community agencies.

Purpose:

• To explore the critical need for a team concept in Japan's evolving case management services for the mentally ill.
• To examine the empowerment of mental health consumers within the Japanese care management system.
• To assess the impact of service models and collaborative efforts between community agencies and consumers.

Summary:

• Psychiatric social workers, certified under the 1997 Act, are key to deinstitutionalizing mental patients.
• Developing a team concept and fostering equal partnerships are crucial for Japan's community care system.
• The effectiveness of Japanese care management hinges on service models that promote collaboration and consumer empowerment.

Impact:

• Empowering mental health consumers to choose resources, consent to treatment, and build support networks.
• Facilitating the integration of individuals with mental illness into the community.
• Advocating for social workers to ensure mental health consumers feel empowered and are integral community members.