The Issue of Mentally Ill Individuals Roaming the Streets
The quotes of mentally ill individuals roaming in the streets continue to upward jostle annually. They lack adequate shelter, food, and medication. It is a common feature in many cities throughout the globe. Though measures have been taken to address the same, they have not been sufficient, particularly in America. Over 124,000 of the 610,000 homeless persons in the United States are mentally ill. Most of them are unsheltered and sleep in abandoned vehicles, parks, or buildings. It is a growing trend that ought to be addressed. As such, this paper will strive to provide solutions to this rising norm.
Evaluating Solutions
Coming up with effective measures depends on several features. The criteria ought to consider the neutrality of the service. In other words, it should be a fair undertaking to all the mentally ill individuals in the streets. The solution must address quality i.e. the mentally ill should access quality food, shelter, and medical care. They should also prioritize professional development e.g. training. In general, the evaluation criteria will follow strategies that are fair and unbiased to comprehend the services needed and mechanisms of establishing the same. It also involves understanding the impacts of the service on the individuals (Pleace 11).
Possible Solutions
One strategy that will favor the homeless mentally ill individuals is the “Housing First” approach. In this criteria, the victims are housed first then given treatments before according them permanent supportive housing. Constant counseling and accessibility compliment the housing to quality meds. It is a viable approach that is better than treating them while they are still in the streets. Many street dwellers resist assistance, particularly due to the means used to offer care. However, by taking them off the streets first, it is easier to attract others to follow suit (Herald 1).
Improving the permanent supportive housing is another viable approach. Apart from offering shelter and treatment to the mentally ill, it is appropriate to provide them with permanent homes to prevent them from going back to the streets. In that regard, the government, as well as the community, must work together to provide these amenities. Another mechanism would be to integrate the mental health services with the existing programs. As such, resources will be accessible (USA Today 1).
In Conclusion
The rates of mentally ill individuals in the streets continue to rise in various cities across the globe. However, the issue can be handled by implementing viable measures of assisting the victims. They include housing them first, providing permanent shelters, and integrating the system with other existing programs. This would provide a conducive environment for the group.
Works Cited
Herald, Bellingham. “Solutions for homeless people who are mentally ill? .” 20 February 2013. http://www.bellinghamherald.com/opinion/article22215027.html. 9 March 2017.
Pleace, Nicholas. “Evaluating homelessness services and strategies.” (2013): 1-57. http://www.habitact.eu/files/activity/actionresearch/_evaluationreview_habitact.pdf.
USA Today. “Moving them off the streets.” 2017. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/27/mental-health-homeless-series/14255283/. 9 March 2017.
