The peer-employment-training approach of Recovery Innovations in Arizona

Outcomes

The evidence-base for improved outcomes is robust, according to Johnson. In the first year peers worked in one of the hospitals, there was a 56% reduction in hospitalizations, a 36% reduction in seclusion and a 48% reduction in restraints.

The programme is now being expanded to facilitate access to housing for people with mental health problems. Working with peers, people who would have had a high likelihood of being in hospital, in jail or homeless were able to move to self-sufficient housing, with a goal of being able to pay their own rent within 12 months (Johnson, 2009b).

Dr. Catherine Needham provided Governance International with this case study on 9 March 2010.