Transforming Housing For People With Psychiatric Disabilities

In late 2003, inspired by the recommend. of the Pres.¿s New Freedom Comm. on Mental Health, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law undertook a study of board & care homes for people with psychiatric disabilities. A draft report was produced, then on Nov. 18 & 19, 2004, the Bazelon Center hosted a nat. strategy meeting to discuss the findings. This final report incorp. the discussion & recommend. from the Nov. 2004 meeting. It discusses the impact of short-term quality improvement measures in the use of board & care homes. It also calls for a fresh approach to providing housing for people with psychiatric disabilities -- a recovery-oriented approach that revolves around the principles of consumer self-direction & community integration.