Reunifying single-parent families with special needs

This article describes how single-parent families separated by homelessness , parental mental disability, and, often, substance abuse are reunited by t he Emerson-Davis Family Center (Center), a demonstration project of the Ins titute of Community Living, Inc., in New York City. Experience with this project suggests that a well-designed congregate care apartment program can be used to create a nurturing home for recovering adu lts and their young children. In addition to residential services, the Cent er directly provides or case manages a comprehensive array of family clinic al, educational, and preventive services. The project's methods are promisi ng in both human and fiscal terms.