Gaining community support for group homes

Data from a telephone survey of New Jersey group home providers, contracting with the State Division of Mental Retardation and Mental Health and Hospitals, evidence the assertions that providers who follow a standard public relations policy, arrange to meet with municipal officials, inform neighbors before moving-in, use local contacts, and invite the community to an open house generally enjoy greater support for their group home programs.

Abstract

Data from a telephone survey of New Jersey group home providers, contracting with the State Division of Mental Retardation and Mental Health and Hospitals, evidence the assertions that providers who follow a standard public relations policy, arrange to meet with municipal officials, inform neighbors before moving-in, use local contacts, and invite the community to an open house generally enjoy greater support for their group home programs. In the medium to long run, neighbors who choose to become involved in the group home location effort (often because of concern if not opposition) generally offer more support.