Publisher's Synopsis
Both central government and local agencies are increasingly recognising the centrality of the housing dimension of community care. This Department of Health funded review, in drawing upon previous research, identifies key questions raised at the local level by people with learning disabilities and mental health problems, physically disabled people, elderly people with support needs, people with AIDS and HIV infection, and people with alcohol and drug problems. This review highlights the importance of partnerships with service users, and the need to place more emphasis upon increased access to mainstream housing and service provision. The main obstacles to progress are identified, including the difficulties of collaborative working, the complexity of what has to be coordinated and the lack of information about existing provision and unmet need. The authors conclude by recognising that these are challenges to be overcome and they illustrate this with examples of innovative practice. This review is essential reading for those working in housing and social care agencies, and for housing, social work and social policy students.
