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Investigating the Impact of Housing First on ACT Fidelity

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Abstract

This study examined the extent to which an ACT team employed within a Housing First program conforms to the fidelity standards of the ACT model. The aim was to specifically identify the extent to which accommodations have been made to suit the context and priorities of Housing First. Results indicate that some deviations from the ACT model could be attributed to the consumer choice approach inherent to Housing First. Other deviations may result from serving individuals that are more disconnected from social supports than other individuals with mental illness, with longer street histories, and greater involvement with substance use.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge their collaborators in the implementation of New Keys, Horizon House, Inc., and the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health. This work is supported by Grant TI13985 to Horizon House from the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, HHS.

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  1. School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, 3815 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Jason Matejkowski & Jeffrey Draine

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  1. Jason Matejkowski
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  2. Jeffrey Draine
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Correspondence to Jason Matejkowski.

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Matejkowski, J., Draine, J. Investigating the Impact of Housing First on ACT Fidelity. Community Ment Health J 45, 6–11 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-008-9152-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-008-9152-9

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