Delivering comprehensive services to homeless mentally ill offenders

A consortium of social services agencies developed a comprehensive community mental health services program for homeless mentally ill offenders in Portland, Oregon. Residential services were provided in a single-room-occupancy hotel. Forty-seven clients were accepted for the program, 38 actually entered the program, and 14 graduated - that is, attained sobriety and were placed in community housing. Problems complicating program implementation included differing philosophical approaches of key agencies, staff turnover, and financial shortfalls. Many potential clients were not accepted into the program because of recent violence or potential violence; some clients were expelled or reincarcerated because of violent behavior.