Does community care?: aspects of social change in psychiatric service provision

Abstract

This study explores the question 'Does community care?' Aspects of social change in psychiatric service provision in the Wellington region are examined, and discussed within the context of a trend toward community based care for persons with psychiatric disabilities in Western democratic states in the latter half of last century. The study questions whether notions of 'community', 'care', and 'mental illness' are well understood. It questions whether moves toward community based care policies over institutional incarceration can be linked to change in the nature or operation of power in Western democratic states. Qualitative methodology included formal interview, case study, participant observation, and 'close observation of the world'. In the language of 'us' and 'them' that is sometimes used to discuss mental health issues, this study suggests any answer to the question, 'Does community care?', lies with us all.