As a consequence of long-lasting experiences of communicative and social deprivation and exclusion, adults who are deaf and have intellectual disabilities must be considered a high-risk group for the development of mental health problems. A therapeutic living community model with special emphasis on social communication development that has been…

Background: It is mandatory for staff in Swedish community services for people with intellectual disabilities to report incidents of error or malpractice. Aim The aim is to study if incident reports contribute to developing quality in services for people with intellectual disabilities who present with challenging behaviours. Method: 159 reports on…

This study examines differences in domains of quality of life (satisfaction; choice and control; dignity, respect, and rights; inclusion; physical setting; family satisfaction) among people with intellectual disability and varying levels of support needs in a variety of residence types. The sample includes 2,639 people with intellectual disability…

Background: Dissatisfaction with the inflexibility of the group home model has led to the growth of supported living that separates housing from support and is thought to have greater potential for better quality of life outcomes. Comparative studies have had mixed findings with some showing few differences, other than greater choice in supported…

This manual was designed primarily for use by individuals with developmental disabilities and related conditions. It is hoped that it is also useful for families, as well as service coordinators and providers who directly assist families and individuals with developmental disabilities. The focus of this manual is to provide easy-to-read…

Background: Past studies have found that people supported in more individualised housing options tend to have levels of community participation and wider social networks than those in other accommodation options. Yet, the contribution of support staff in facilitating social inclusion has received relatively scant attention. Methods: In all 245…

Background: This paper reports on some of the findings of a large-scale survey (n = 852) of family members and support staff of adults with intellectual disabilities receiving community living services in British Columbia, Canada, concentrating on comparison of outcomes across four types of community residential settings: group homes, family model…

L'Arche is an international movement to create communities in which disabled persons are included. Through a series of personal interviews, an autobiographical account is presented illustrating some of the salient features of living in a L'Arche community from a handicapped person's perspective. (Author/DB)

The literature review about deinstitutionalization and normalization of the retarded highlights findings about the relationship between successful programs and size, staff-to-resident ratio, cost, client characteristics, program type, community support, family involvement, and peer relationships. (Author/SB)

Suggestions are made for planning community based juvenile corrections facilities to prevent development of "mini institutions" or inadequate programs. (CL)

In the wake of a U.S. Justice Department investigation that found widespread use of excessive force by staff at upstate psychiatric care facilities for mentally ill children, this new edition of Child Welfare Watch identifies shortcomings in mental health services and explores possible solutions, including the expansion of alternatives to…

Patients (N=58) discharged from state psychiatric hospitals into community care homes were followed for four months. Both observers and patients rated the homes' social environments and the patients' needs and capabilities. Patients' functioning in the community was enhanced when there was a congruence between the patient and the environment.…

The guide is designed to provide information about the requirements and provisions of various federal housing assistance programs and their direct relevance to the creation and support of residential options for the mentally ill. Chapter I provides a descriptive overview of potentially relevant federal housing provisions. In Chapter II, specific…

Preparation must begin with disabled teenagers to encourage the transition to independent living. Collaboration of family, teenager, and community should be supported to offer a "REACH Program": (1) relationship with family, friends, and self; (2) expectation that community living is a goal; (3) accessibility; (4) counseling in home management and…

Examined deinstitutionalization and community facilities for emotionally disturbed adolescents through statewide survey of 125 licensed group-care providers and field research methods at five small residential facilities. Results suggest these facilities are a new type of social setting with no direct correlation to other types of institutions.…