Introduction -- Section I. The theory of advocacy empowerment practice ; Problem definition : a theory and orientation -- Practice theory : bridging the gap to action -- Toward an advocacy/empowerment action orientation -- Section II. The application of problem definition and practice principles to different arenas of practice ; Case management -- Day programs -- Legal advocacy and organizing -- Program evaluation -- Community organization -- Conclusion -- Appendices
Summary
Deinstitutionalization, as a social policy, has had a complex and confusing history. We will try to unravel much of the complexity and decipher a good deal of the mystification surrounding this policy in order to develop a clear and coherent framework for creating and sustaining a positive and systematic practice in the area of mental health after-care. The first section of the book is theoretical--our effort to explain the social world of working in mental health after-care. Initially, we provide a brief analysis of deinstitutionalization as a social policy, looking carefully at who it was intended to serve and who in fact has benefited from its existence. Section II presents five different arenas in which advocacy/ empowerment practice can be implemented in the field of mental health after-care. We conclude with a brief summary based on inter-organizational theory which we see as necessary to organizational survival. We hope to suggest pathways for advocacy/empowerment program or agency survival since the struggle for progressive development is one continually in need of support in the face of certain threats from conventional provider systems
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages [228]-231)
