Conceptions of housing problems facing people with a psychiatric disability across mental health, disability and housing policy networks in South Australia (2000-2005) (original) (raw)

This paper uses data from a case study of mental health reform in South Australia (2000-2005) to consider perceptions on housing related problems experienced by people with a psychiatric disability, as compared with 'problems' represented within policies and policy debates. The case study included qualitative interviews (n=31) and focus groups (n=8) with mental health service user and carer representatives, NGOs and public servants across the health, disability and housing sectors. It also involved participation observation of key NGOs across the health and housing sector (n=52) and a review of mental health and housing policies across 2000-2005. The paper uses policy theory to consider the influence of social and political factors upon how 'problems' are conceived within policy and policy networks. It concludes by highlighting policy actors, discourses and problems which were promoted and underplayed within policy discussions, the implications for policy across sectors, along with policy trends across mental health, housing and homelessness.