National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors
POSITION STATEMENT ON HOUSING AND SUPPORTS
FOR
PEOPLE WITH PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITIES
The purpose of this position statement is to provide a framework to State Mental Health Agencies (SMHAs) to guide their housing policies and activities.
Housing Options
It should be possible for all people with psychiatric disabilities to have the option to live in decent, stable, affordable and safe housing that reflects consumer choice and available resources. These are settings that maximize opportunities for participation in the life of the community and promote self-care, wellness and citizenship. Housing options should not require time limits for moving to another housing option. People should not be required to change living situations or lose their place of residence if they are hospitalized. People should choose their housing arrangements from among those living environments available to the general public. State mental health authorities have the obligation to exercise leadership in the housing area, addressing housing and support needs and expanding affordable housing stock. This is a responsibility shared with consumers and one that requires coordination and negotiation of mutual roles of mental health authorities, public assistance and housing authorities, and the private sector.
Provision of Services
Necessary supports, including case management, on-site crisis interventions, and rehabilitation services, should be available at appropriate levels and for as long as needed by persons with psychiatric disabilities regardless of their choices of living arrangements. Services should be flexible, individualized and promote respect and dignity. Advocacy, community education and resource development should be continuous.
Adoption
Adoption of this position statement empowers the NASMHPD President's Task Force on Housing for Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities to aggressively address the following:
- the need for State Mental Health Agencies to be provided with state-of-the-art resource materials/toolkits to help guide their efforts in developing housing for persons with psychiatric disabilities;
- the need to advise the Board of Directors and NASMHPD membership of the short- and long-term strategies necessary to respond to decreasing federal resources for affordable housing and federal policies which impede access to housing by people with psychiatric disabilities;
- the need to advise the Board of Directors and NASMHPD membership of the partnerships which can be formed with key national and state stakeholders to facilitate the development of affordable housing throughout the nation.
The Task Force will report to the Board of Directors and to the membership at large on a quarterly basis. Membership of the President's Task Force on Housing for Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities shall consist of persons appointed by the President.
Originally adopted by the NASMHPD Membership - December, 1987;
Revised and adopted by the NASMHPD Membership - July, 1996
NASMHPD Position Statements
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