Abstract
BackgroundFor individuals involved in the forensic mental health system, access to transitional housing can offer a bridge between custody and independence. Using a methodology consistent with interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), this study considers the meaning associated with such participation. In this Canadian study, data was collected via interview with six individuals (n = 6) who resided, for a minimum six (6) months, in justice focused transitional housing that involved a partnership between a rural forensic mental health care facility and a nearby urban transitional housing provider.ResultsFollowing each participant interview, data was transcribed verbatim and coded for themes. Multiple methods were employed to support trustworthiness. Results indicate that participation enabled enhanced social participation, self-esteem/efficacy, community integration and renewal of daily living skills. Participants identified that involvement in justice focused transitional housing enabled development of community living skills, cultivated self-confidence and enhanced personal resilience in their transition from a secure forensic mental health facility to more independent community tenure.ConclusionsParticipants in this research clearly identified the importance of transitional housing programs in supporting their move from a forensic mental health facility to the community. Not all forensic involved individuals will need this type or level of support to support their transition. Practically, however, the nature of forensic hospitalization can present real challenges for occupational participation and maintenance of community living skills. Transitional housing, accountable to unique forensic mental health and justice inputs, can offer a valuable bridge to the community.
Highlights
For individuals involved in the forensic mental health system, access to transitional housing can offer a bridge between custody and independence
This study considers the participant perspective regarding to the role and value of transitional housing as a support for individuals affiliated with the forensic mental health system
Employing a qualitative phenomenological methodology, this study focuses upon the consumer’s experience of residence in transitional housing within the forensic mental health and justice context
Summary
For individuals involved in the forensic mental health system, access to transitional housing can offer a bridge between custody and independence. ACT teams have been designed to support individuals who are not engaged in mental health care systems and/or those who more regularly access acute (2019) 7:8 care systems The mechanisms of such support are an in vivo focus where intensive, long-term, relational and multi-disciplinary teams deliver the services where individuals need to use them (Salyers & Tsemberis, 2007; Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, 2005). To date, this approach has achieved notable primacy in community mental health care provision (Johnson, 2011)
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