Understanding Innovation in Homeless Service Provision: A Study of Frontline Providers' Values-Readiness for Change

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2019 Sep;46(5):649-659. doi: 10.1007/s10488-019-00943-0.

Abstract

Service innovation for adults experiencing mental illness and homelessness typically involves shifting from treatment-led, staircase models toward recovery-oriented, Housing-First models. Aligning frontline service providers' values to those embedded within newer models is an important, but under-investigated, influence on the innovation process. To assess values alignment in this context, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with frontline providers in staircase services in Ireland (n = 50). Data showed that, while their values mostly aligned to the treatment-led model, there was meaningful evidence of more recovery-oriented values, too. Strategies to enhance innovation through values-alignment are discussed.

Keywords: Homelessness; Recovery-oriented values; Treatment-led values.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Case Management / organization & administration
  • Empowerment
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons / statistics & numerical data*
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Ireland
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Negotiating
  • Personal Autonomy
  • Qualitative Research
  • Social Work / organization & administration*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Time Factors