LONGITUDINAL ASSESSMENT OF FAMILY SUPPORT AMONG HOMELESS MENTALLY-ILLPARTICIPANTS IN A SUPPORTED HOUSING PROGRAM

Although strengthening the family relations of individuals with severe mental illness has been identified as an important objective for comm unity based case management programs, little is known about the impact of such programs on patterns of family relations over lime. This stud y assesses longitudinally the family support of a large sample of home less mentally ill individuals participating in a supported housing pro gram. The program randomly assigned participants to one of four experi mental conditions created by varying the level of access to independen t housing and the intensify of case management services provided. Subs tantial improvements were found during the 3-year follow-up period for frequency of family interaction, perceived availability, and satisfac tion with family. Regression analyses were used to model factors corre lated with change. improvement in support was not associated with hous ing or case management conditions. Increased levels of family support were associated with housing status and mental health status. Clients in stable independent and community housing showed greater improvement than a group of clients living an art unstable housing environment. S ubstantial gains in family relations also occurred among a subgroup wh o did not achieve housing stability, but received family housing assis tance during follow-up. The lack of relationship between the experimen tal intervention and change in support is discussed. (C) 1998 John Wil ey & Sons, Inc.