You mean like the "Psychoneurotic Institute For the Very, Very Nervous"
Posted on 07/14/2007 5:34:34 AM PDT by shrinkermd
Schwarzenegger says ending the acclaimed program would save $55 million annually toward $3-billion budget gap.
A nationally lauded program that has helped thousands of mentally ill homeless men and women break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization, jail time and street life is now on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's list of budget cuts.
The governor has proposed eliminating Integrated Services for Homeless Adults With Serious Mental Illness, which receives $55 million annually, as part of his attempt to close a budget gap estimated at more than $3 billion.
Mental health advocates, clients and concerned legislators are lobbying fiercely to save the program, which served as the blueprint for California's ongoing efforts to radically retool the state's mental health system.
They have pledged to sue the administration if they fail, contending that the cut would violate the 2004 voter-approved Proposition 63, which aimed to remake the state's mental health system in the image of the homeless program's "whatever it takes" style of treatment, and prohibits the state from reducing mental health funding below its commitment at the time the measure passed.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Does that include reopening state hospitals (a.k.a. Insane Asylums)? Hummm...I didn't think so. Democrat votes have a far higher priority than a permanent safe haven for the less fortunate. Now "half way houses" and "group houses" where folks are pretty much free to come and go...well, that's a different story.
What does it say? That this Cadillac of all programs gives the homeless hands to hold and everything they might need to make it through life? Well, excuse me for my hard-heartedness, but, while I am all for giving a FEW basic needs to those who are down and out, this goes WAY beyond that.
Kudos to Arnie.
I have no info on the efficiency of this program, it may be good or bad.
Mental illness help is NOT just handholding though. Some mentally ill are so delusional they are dangerous to both themselves and others. That’s when then get really expensive. And with a little help they can some of them can get out of the homeless rut. It could be very cost effective, if run properly.
It won’t be run effectively because the bleeding-hearts are running it AND sucking at the trough/ getting paid to run it. It will not be cost-effective, either, because there will always be more they need. And their advocates will make sure they get that, too.
You mean like the "Psychoneurotic Institute For the Very, Very Nervous"
Source? backup? documentation?
“remake the state’s mental health system in the image of the homeless program’s “whatever it takes”
Mental health care is very, VERY expensive. And all the good modern meds are not generic yet.
But I know of several people who were homeless because of mental illness. At least one of them is now supporting herself, but she did need a “leg up” from a government agency who gave her job counseling, had her in a support house for a month, and shepherded her through initial care with psychiatrists. She was manic depressive. Without that handout, I have no idea what would have happened.
Let me tell you from personal experience, bipolar types can really vary. They can hold jobs or they can wander around accosting people and sleeping on the street. When you hear about celebrities having a psychotic “break” like Margot Kidder or Carrie Fischer, that’s usually the problem. It’s not a good idea to just leave them alone.
It’s sort of hard to measure cost results. How do you know if you have saved money in the long run? It comes out in things you can’t measure, like theft and drug use decreasing and people off the disability rolls. Also in property values in the areas where the homeless congregate.
Since arnold is now the official beeeeach of the unions perhaps the homeless should form one..
“The program for homeless mentally ill adults has served more than 13,000 men and women since November 1999. As of Jan. 31, the program had 4,444 participants. They showed marked improvement in several areas over their pre-enrollment days, according to the organization that evaluates the program for the state. Program participants had:
81% fewer days of incarceration.
65% fewer days of psychiatric hospitalization.
76% fewer days of homelessness.
162% more days of employment.”
Source: National Mental Health Assn. of Greater Los Angeles
10 Year Plans; Housing With Supportive Services
The Bush Administration came up with the 10 Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness b/c it’s cost effective. It involves housing with supportive services. These supportive services (hand holding) cost less than jail/locked psychiatric health facilities.
Maybe the wife caused his depression. After all, He was cured when she left.
Except for the electro shock bit maybe he just did it to get the divorce done w/o gettin hit up for alimony etc.
Crazy like a fox.
Bottom line. Is it cheaper to put them in insane asylums or to put them through these programs? You have to factor in the costs you mentioned, crime reduction, etc.
I had severe depression that happened in my first marriage and was cured when she left. I could only tolerate a certain amount of mental abuse,lying, and cheating from my wife. I lost 2 children when she left. That day was the worst and the best day I have ever had. I paid child support for 15 years. I have been married to my second wife for 25 years and have not been depressed.
That makes sense.
I noticed from your homepage that you needed something to be proud of about Illinois. Have you forgotten about Hillary Rodham?. :0)
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