Support Services

• flexible
• responsible to individual needs,
• available as and when needed by tenant, and accessible where the tenant lives.

:: Personal preference (provision of options and choices and the respect for choices made by the individual)
When persons can state a personal preference and are given options to choose from, they feel more in control. This can have more positive results in terms of a person’s success. Providing a consumer with options and choice in terms of their own living arrangements and supports can be an empowering experience and can maximize their opportunities for success.

:: Mainstream housing (access to community housing that is decent, attractive, safe, affordable, accessible, and permanent)
Consumers are assisted with locating safe, affordable housing in sites that maximize community integration and promote independence (Hogan & Carling, 1990). The security of knowing that one’s home is stable and will not be taken away in the event of hospitalization promotes emotional stability. Access is important, so homes are located in neighborhoods that are close to shopping, public transportation, and recreational opportunities.

:: Flexible support services (linkages to flexible supports that are individualized, accessible, and consistently available)
Availability of flexible support services that depend on individual need rather than dictated by a program protocol empowers the provider to work collaboratively with the individual holistically. Many mental health consumers often need ongoing, yet flexible support to live successfully in the community. Services tailored to meet the individual needs of the person being supported are more effective than prescriptive services that engender dependency. Services are available at various levels, depending on the needs of the client, and are responsive to the changing needs of the person over time. Support appears to be a critical factor in whether people can integrate into the community and remain in housing of their choice. Having support available at the right time can mean the difference between remaining in one’s home and having a crisis situation escalate to the point where one is hospitalized.

From Quality Standards Instrument by The Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey, May 2001
Table developed by: Peggy Swarbrick, CSP-NJ