Serving the dually diagnosed homeless: program development and interventions.
In this paper the authors present the specific characteristics of the dually diagnosed (severely mentally ill and substance abusers) population and describe a hybridized program and interventions which have been empirically shown to be effective in working with these multiply impaired individuals. The article is based upon a three-year federally funded demonstration project. The following interventions were found to be effective: engagement, care and nurturing, structure, limit setting and the development of responsibility, positive reinforcement, and self esteem. The authors describe these interventions and highlight their impact in both staff management and working with funding sources.
Blankertz
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Matrix Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19144.
Cnaan
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D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D016352:Group Homes / Q000592:standards*; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015143:Philadelphia / Q000453:epidemiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*