And Alternatives to Congregate Settings DBHDID Initiatives to Promote Community Integration
Reflections on Where We Are: The power of living in one’s own home The importance of work The critical importance of “lived experience” in helping others along in their own recovery The necessity of investing (consistently) in things that people want and that are proven to be effective
DBHDID Initiatives Partnership with Kentucky Housing Corporation (Supportive Housing Specialist; targeted rental assistance) The PROMISE Program – developing permanent supportive housing Support for the transformation of the Center for Rehabilitation and Recovery Johnson & Johnson / Dartmouth Supported Employment Program Olmstead Wraparound Funding Peer Support Specialist training and certification Medicaid behavioral health transformation (e.g. 1915i SPA)
Why Aren’t We Further Along ? Lots of effective, small scale efforts – nothing taken to scale Recognition that housing is not the problem; providing the necessary, flexible package of services and supports is We’ve lacked the infrastructure to support effective implementation of evidence-based practices It is difficult for state agencies to implement system change (multi-year) over a number of budget cycles, administration changes, etc.
What Is It Going to Take ? (to create a “life in the community” for all) A coming together (with strong advocacy) from a number of groups (consumers, family members, providers, state agencies) Leadership The “will” to transform the public behavioral health system in hard times Must examine current initiatives and “bring to scale” the ones that are the key ingredients to supporting individuals where they want to live Must provide a consistent message (e.g. “people don’t recover in facilities”, “treatment works”, “we know how to support people in community settings”) Must ask consumers (not once but ongoing) what they want and what they need to recover
Contact Louis Kurtz Acting Division Director Kentucky Division of Behavioral Health 100 Fair Oaks Lane, 4E-D Frankfort, KY