Factors associated with departure from supported independent living programs for persons with serious mental illness

Supported housing is a viable model that offers independence and opportunity for community integration. However, previous studies have shown that not all residents can sustain long-term tenancy. This study examined the extent to which personal and housing characteristics predicted positive and negative departures from independent housing programs that provided support services to persons with serious mental illness.

The sample consisted of 237 persons participating in a supported independent living program in Philadelphia. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the effects of personal and housing characteristics on the probability of positive departure (to an arrangement with more autonomy) and negative departure (to an arrangement with more supervision or to homelessness).

Most participants (69%) maintained continuous residence in the program for the study period, 14% experienced a positive departure, and 17% a negative departure. A self-reported past substance abuse problem increased the probability of a negative departure, and a more supportive relationship with program staff decreased the probability. A higher income increased the probability of a positive departure, whereas a higher level of social distress in the neighborhood decreased the probability.

The findings suggest that long-term housing tenure was not uncommon among supported independent living residents, but some were not able to maintain independent living and were discharged to shelters, institutions, or residential settings with more supervision. Predictors of positive and negative departure identified in this study may help service providers design services to meet the various needs of persons with serious mental illness for stable independent living.