A consortium of social services agencies developed a comprehensive
community mental health services program for homeless mentally ill
offenders in Portland, Oregon. Residential services were provided in a
single-room-occupancy hotel. Forty-seven clients were accepted for the
program, 38 actually entered the program, and 14 graduated--that is,
attained sobriety and were placed in community housing. Problems
complicating program implementation included differing philosophical
approaches of key agencies, staff turnover, and financial shortfalls. Many
potential clients were not accepted into the program because of recent
violence or potential violence; some clients were expelled or
reincarcerated because of violent behavior.
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