RESUMEN
There are many preventive programs and interventions designed to address the complex problems of youth violence. However, research that examines the effectiveness of such programs is scarce. This article describes the evaluation of a media communications strategy, Choose to De-Fuse, developed for at-risk inner-city youth, and provides a case study of how qualitative data can be used to inform public policy.
Asunto(s)
Delincuencia Juvenil/prevención & control , Política Pública , Adulto , Niño , Familia/psicología , Femenino , Personas con Mala Vivienda , Humanos , Masculino , Medios de Comunicación de Masas , ViolenciaRESUMEN
Over the past decade, researchers have documented the range of needs and devised new methods for increasing our understanding of the homeless severely mentally ill population. Clinicians have developed an appreciation of the difficulty and complexity of effectively treating this population, and policymakers have become increasingly aware of the barriers to developing services and housing. In this article, the progress-to-date in research, the evolution of new service approaches, and the development of federal, state, and local policies to meet the needs of homeless mentally ill individuals are assessed. The many challenges that remain are also considered.
Asunto(s)
Servicios Comunitarios de Salud Mental/tendencias , Política de Salud/tendencias , Necesidades y Demandas de Servicios de Salud/tendencias , Personas con Mala Vivienda/psicología , Indigencia Médica/tendencias , Trastornos Mentales/rehabilitación , Investigación sobre Servicios de Salud/tendencias , Humanos , Trastornos Mentales/psicología , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
Recent research suggests that approximately one third of the population of homeless single adults suffer from severe mental illnesses. Despite multiple health, mental health, and social welfare needs, this population is often unable to obtain necessary housing and community-based services. For this reason, since 1982, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has undertaken a number of federal initiatives to encourage research and assist states and localities in improving services focused on this vulnerable subgroup of the homeless population. This article describes the target population, NIMH research findings, and current mental health service trends--with particular emphasis on two mental health programs established under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Proposed future directions for federal research and evaluation efforts in this area are also discussed.
Asunto(s)
Servicios Comunitarios de Salud Mental/tendencias , Personas con Mala Vivienda/psicología , Indigencia Médica/tendencias , Trastornos Mentales/rehabilitación , Predicción , Necesidades y Demandas de Servicios de Salud/tendencias , Humanos , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
The Mental Health Services for the Homeless Block Grant Program has made available more than $57 million to the States in fiscal years 1987-89 to encourage States to develop and strengthen community services for homeless mentally ill persons. Funds were provided for five basic services, which include outreach, case management, mental health treatment, residential support services, and training for service providers. State applications for funds reflected considerable diversity among the services proposed. The manner in which States proposed to use the funds is described, including methods used to identify high need areas and distribute funds and plans for delivering services.
