Social Work 7 Homelessness and Mental Health Problem, and its ✓ Solved

Describe homelessness and mental health and its incongruence with social work values and ethics.

Background and actions taken to address homelessness and mental health.

How have the groups affected by this concern changed over time?

What policy areas relate to this social problem?

How long has the current policy been in place and what are its different aspects?

Who supports and opposes the policy?

What changes or amendments have been made to the policy?

How does this policy affect clients and the importance of advocating for change?

Paper For Above Instructions

Homelessness and mental health are two interlinked social issues that represent significant challenges in contemporary society. In the United States alone, over 144,000 homeless individuals exhibit some form of mental illness, a situation that exacerbates their already precarious circumstances. The lack of housing leads to increased stress and isolation while worsening their mental health, which can subsequently impact physical health and lead to chronic problems such as unemployment and substance abuse (Mental Illness & Homelessness How Social Workers Help, 2020).

Social work values emphasize connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with essential services, therefore requiring professionals in the field to possess specific skills necessary to address these complex challenges. These include therapeutic relationship development and problem-solving abilities (Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, 1988c). Yet, the growing homeless population—estimated at half a million people daily across the U.S.—is a clear indication of systemic issues that social workers must confront. Approximately one-third of this population grapples with untreated severe mental illness, and the greatest concentrations of homelessness can be found in states like New York and California, which account for about 40% of homeless cases in the country (Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, 1988a).

The methodology to address homelessness has evolved, with significant strategies being implemented. One central action is the direct housing approach, which provides homeless individuals with immediate access to sustainable housing without prerequisites related to their mental health status. Alongside housing, supportive services for mental and medical health are crucial to enabling these individuals to stabilize their lives and improve their circumstances (Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, 1988c).

Over the last several decades, the demographics affected by homelessness and mental health issues have shifted notably. There has been a marked increase in alcohol and drug use disorders particularly among those experiencing homelessness; over the past two decades, men have exhibited a slower rise in alcohol-related disorders while women's rates have surged significantly (Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, 1988a). The prevalence of psychiatric disorders, from major depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, has also fluctuated, revealing how different aspects of these social problems impact diverse groups differently.

Regarding policy, significant legislative steps have been made to create a structured response to homelessness. The Health Professionals Training Acts of 1985 mandated a comprehensive assessment of healthcare delivery systems for homeless populations, emphasizing the need for holistic solutions that recognize the complex interrelations between housing and mental health (North et al., 2004). The McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987, which defined homelessness, has underpinned much of the legal framework guiding interventions (Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, 1988c).

Current policies, such as the Johnson-Pew projects initiated in the mid-1980s, have aimed to streamline services and create an inclusive environment for care by incorporating multidisciplinary teams comprising social workers, healthcare providers, and other professionals. Despite these developments, challenges persist, primarily due to the isolation that many healthcare workers feel and the intrinsic difficulties in providing care within social service agencies (Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, 1988b).

Support and opposition for these policies vary significantly within the healthcare community. Many practitioners advocate for the holistic measures being promoted, yet some healthcare professionals express ethical dilemmas resulting from the divided loyalties imposed by contracted employment with social service organizations. Issues such as differing pay scales, work policies, and professional isolation can alienate service providers from their ability to deliver effective care to homeless individuals (Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, 1988c).

Several significant amendments have been made to existing policies, introducing elements that prioritize a holistic approach and the integration of healthcare within the homeless population’s daily environments. The benefits of such multidisciplinary approaches encompass the provision of tailored care that considers multiple factors such as social interaction and environmental influences alongside individual mental health needs (North et al., 2004).

The impact of these policies on clients varies, but crucially, they aim to dismantle barriers that impede access to essential services for homeless individuals suffering from mental health issues. Unfortunately, many policies still impose unrealistic requirements for service eligibility, deterring individuals from seeking the support they need. Additionally, persistent funding shortfalls, systemic inefficiencies, and lack of responsiveness to the unique needs of homeless populations compound these challenges (North et al., 2004).

In conclusion, advocating for meaningful changes within these policies is paramount. By improving access to affordable housing and addressing unemployment through robust mental health systems, stakeholders can facilitate a significant positive change in the lives of individuals affected by homelessness. Such initiatives ultimately contribute to the well-being of the economy and foster improved social conditions for all.

References

• Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Health Care for Homeless People. (1988a). Dynamics of Homelessness. National Academies Press (US).
• Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Health Care for Homeless People. (1988b). Health Care Services for Homeless People. National Academies Press (US).
• Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Health Care for Homeless People. (1988c). Summary and Recommendations. National Academies Press (US).
• Mental illness & homelessness how social workers help. (2020, January 22).
• North, C. S., Eyrich, K. M., Pollio, D. E., & Spitznagel, E. L. (2004). Are rates of psychiatric disorders in the homeless population changing? American Journal of Public Health, 94(1), 103–108.