Homelessness, crime, mental illness, and substance abuse : a core population with multiple social service needs

Abstract

This thesis identifies a Core Population of individuals who fall into three or more of the following categories: Mental Illness, Homelessness, Criminal Involvement, and Substance Abuse. This thesis is an attempt to learn more about this Core Population: Who is the Core Population? How is this group dealt with in our social service systems? Using Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this Core Group is analyzed with regard to their demographic characteristics, biographies, and treatment history. Case studies illustrate the tragic biographies of individuals with multiple social service needs. This thesis examines the political, social, legal and systems barriers to treating this core group as its own category, addressing the needs of this challenging population in a logical and effective way. Finally, recommendations are made that aim to give this population a real chance to succeed rather than simply allowing them to bounce from one social service agency to another.