Publisher's Synopsis
Much of the discussion around community care policy for people with mental health problems has been concerned with the manner in which it has been implemented. Less often discussed, but equally important, is how we should understand the nature and development of the policy. This book attempts to help redress the balance. It provides a critical analysis of the origins and development of the policy, with a view to reaching a view over the purpose and value of current policy. Its argument is that community care has been and remains, a policy intended to address the needs of the state first and the needs of people with mental health problems second. Moreover, this situation is proving increasingly untenable û that over time the policy is tending towards failure. It concludes by considering what policy options should be considered for the future.
