Changes in Sources and Perceived Quality of Social Supports Among Formerly Homeless Persons Receiving Assertive Community Treatment Services

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2010

Keywords

Homelessness, Co-occurring disorders, Supported housing, Social support, Assertive community treatment

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-009-9185-8

Abstract

We recruited a sample of individuals who were formerly homeless that received assertive community treatment (ACT) services to assess differences in their sources and perceived quality of social support related to changes in their residence status. Standardized questionnaires were administered to 22 participants via face-to-face interviews, including various measures of social support and relationship quality. Results indicated that participants mentioned ACT staff members significantly more often than any other relationship category (e.g., friends or family) as sources of social support. Participants also indicated that the quality of their relationships with ACT staff members was significantly better than relationships maintained before and during their homelessness. These findings indicate that ACT staff can serve as social supports for clients on their caseloads, and they further suggest that clients perceive these worker-consumer relationships to be of high quality. Implications related to community integration are discussed.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Community Mental Health Journal, v. 46, issue 2, p. 156-163

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