NCJ Number
141214
Journal
Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare Volume: 19 Issue: 4 Dated: special issue (December 1992) Pages: 235-252
Date Published
1992
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Community Psychiatric Clinic in Seattle has developed a number of innovative programs to help the chronically mentally ill. One program, CLEAN START, is a drop-in center for the homeless chronically mentally ill that offers hygiene services, free breakfasts and low-cost hot lunches, and socialization activities.
Abstract
The demonstration phase of CLEAN START was designed to determine whether the provision of these services would successfully engage mentally ill homeless persons in mental health treatment and acceptance of case management services and whether this population could benefit from prevocational skills training. An evaluation of CLEAN START was conducted using data collected from a sample of 42 program participants. The evaluation assessed entry and post-treatment measures of client level of functioning with regard to personal hygiene, independent living skills, prevocational skills, and psychological coping; client satisfaction; and client needs and progress. Client comments were generally favorable, reflecting the program's availability of basic survival services, a caring staff, and the opportunity for work and other significant activities. 2 tables, 2 notes, and 28 references