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Relationship between the deinstitutionalization model, psychiatric disability, and homelessness.
1University of Maryland, School of Social Work and Community Planning, Baltimore 21201.
Health & Social Work
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Deinstitutionalization of state mental hospitals led to 35% of patients becoming homeless within three months. This study highlights failures in aftercare systems for severely mentally disabled individuals.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Services
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- The deinstitutionalization movement aimed to shift mental healthcare from state hospitals to community settings.
- Concerns exist regarding the adequacy of community-based aftercare for individuals with severe mental disabilities.
- Previous research suggests a link between mental health policy changes and homelessness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of state mental hospital release on subsequent homelessness.
- To identify characteristics of individuals experiencing homelessness post-release.
- To analyze the process leading to homelessness among this population.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal follow-up study tracking 133 individuals released from a state mental hospital.
- In-depth qualitative data collection through detailed tracking procedures.
- Analysis of demographic and experiential data related to homelessness.
Main Results:
- 35% of the study sample experienced homelessness within three months of release.
- Key characteristics of homeless individuals post-release were identified.
- The process of becoming homeless was described in detail.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the theory that deinstitutionalization contributes to homelessness.
- The current aftercare system has failed to adequately support severely mentally disabled individuals.
- Data suggest a need for improved community-based mental health services and support systems.