Homeless Mentally Ill: Problems and Options in Estimating Numbers and Trends
PEMD-88-24
Published: Aug 03, 1988. Publicly Released: Sep 08, 1988.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO examined the methodologies of current population estimates of the number of homeless chronically mentally ill persons to: (1) determine the soundness of current estimates; and (2) identify the best available methods for getting sound estimates.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should continue the effort to better define and validly measure mental illness among homeless persons. | Congress has no plans to look at these issues in the near future. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Health and Human Services | The Secretary of Health and Human Services should reexamine the requirements for data collection and evaluation by the states in the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-77) and direct that the approaches outlined be incorporated when administrative databases are established and as regulations specifying data to be collected by grantees are prepared. These include such issues as a consistent definition of homelessness, specification of the area of coverage, obtaining data on a regular basis so that seasonality can be assessed, and supporting studies that would permit firmer adjustments for street-to-shelter ratios. The Secretary should also take steps to ensure that efforts continue to better define and validly measure mental illness among homeless persons, including an assessment of whether further research support is needed. |
The Department of Health and Human Services does not believe that it can go beyond the requirements set by the McKinney Act, and does not plan further action.
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Topics
Data collectionDisadvantaged personsstate relationsHomelessnessMental illnessesPopulation statisticsProjectionsSocial sciences researchStatistical methodsMental health