[Municipal housing support for people with mental disabilities to facilitate transition from an institutional to...

The study investigated the provision of support by municipalities to assist people with mental disability securing a dwelling in the community.

In September 2008, a questionnaire was sent to welfare divisions concerned with people having mental disabilities in 1,805 municipalities nationwide. Responses were returned from 1,141 municipalities (recovery rate: 63.2%). The survey analyzed housing support, financial aid, understanding of transition and housing needs and recognition concerning health and welfare.

Of those municipalities surveyed: 7.0% had a support system for those lacking a guarantor to sign a lease; 17.7% engaged in reducing the burden involved in securing a dwelling, mainly by setting up a housing advisory desk; and 5.0% worked with real-estate agents and housing providers to advance cooperation. Housing benefits were provided in 12.9% of municipalities for those living on welfare, with a special allowance equivalent to that for the physically challenged. Financial support such as funding to cover the rent and other relevant expenses was available in 2.5%. The number of people with mental disabilities seeking to make the transition to community living and the actual state of transition were not known in 52.9% of the municipalities; however, 64.9% considered that the amenities of a dwelling for such people should be comparable to those for the single-person household and the general public. Furthermore, 41.4% took actions to redress the negative images of people with mental disabilities held by the community residents. The assessment of policy regarding transition and housing support for people with mental disabilities revealed that 48.6% of municipalities considered a congregate living setting within the community, while acknowledgement of an independent living setting within the general neighborhood was low at 28.9%. Regarding the state of inter-ministerial collaboration between the welfare division for people with disabilities and other divisions, 25.5% indicated that support was provided in partnership with agencies beyond the immediate scope of health and welfare.

A framework for the provision of municipality-managed transition and housing support for people with mental disability has yet to be fully developed on a national scale. A comprehensive policy regarding housing support is needed.