Engaging the Dually Diagnosed Homeless Client (International)
Description:
The presence of dual diagnosis and being homeless perpetuates a cycle, which is difficult to break. The impact of both disorders is negative for the individual and is hard to resolve. (Authors)
Content:
Homeless people often present with complex needs including higher rates of illness, drug and alcohol use, health and legal issues exacerbated by their living conditions. Their itinerant lifestyle makes it difficult to establish enduring networks and peer relationships are casual and sporadic. Communication with family members is rare and often characterized by stress and abuse. Isolation is common in homeless people’s lives and there is a lack of confidence to seek external supports, which increases as homelessness perpetuates. These factors seem to be playing an important role in preventing the homeless to exit homelessness and reestablish links with the community.
In most cases, homeless clients are not only lacking shelter, but they are lacking a home that provides a welcoming, unconditional containment. We often hear stories of trauma and dysfunctional family interactions that are too painful to deal with. These life stories are frequently characterised by abuse and neglect. Listening to homeless people’s life stories, the lack of consistency from significant others since childhood seems to repeat as a common contributor to the development of insecurities and a poor sense of self-worth. (Authors)
Type of Resource:
Journal
Date Issued:
2005
Journal Name:
Parity
Issue:
September 2005
Location:
Victoria, Australia
Source:
Council To Homeless Persons