MEMORANDUM OF SUPPORT

S.3653-Morahan/A.2895-Rivera

 

 

The New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers supports S.3653/A.2895 requiring the Commission of the Office of Mental Health to compile and maintain community housing waiting lists.  New York State does not currently keep data on the demand for community housing in the Office of Mental Health's service system.  A community housing waiting list would provide the data necessary for the development and deployment of community housing for people with psychiatric disabilities.  This list would include all adults with psychiatric disabilities who have applied for but not received supportive, supported, supervised, or congregate housing.

 

This legislation will also assist the State to be in compliance with the U. S. Supreme Court decisions in Olmstead V. L.C.  The Olmstead decision requires that persons with disabilities be housed appropriately in the most integrated setting possible.  S.3653/A.2895 would establish a process that is necessary for identifying institutionalized individuals who want to live in the most integrated setting possible.  Currently, in New York State there are approximately 12,000 people with psychiatric disabilities living in adult homes, some of which are large homes that are segregated from the community.  Government sponsored reports on adult homes serving people with psychiatric disabilities have consistently stated that the current adult home model was never designed for people with psychiatric disabilities and that this model of care has significant shortcomings for this population.  Among the deficiencies of the adult home model is the lack of integration in the community and access to services and supports that promote rehabilitation and recovery.  The community housing waiting list will provide residents of adult homes with an opportunity to apply for and obtain housing that will afford them the opportunity to live in and be a part of community life.

 

The New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers strongly supports this legislation and urges its prompt enactment.