Therapeutic communities (TCs) use everyday social life, shared responsibilities, and mutual support as active elements of treatment and recovery. Although TCs have the potential to promote recovery in people with SMI, existing TCs in the US are often private-pay, rural, and have limited lengths of stay. These features make them a poor match for people with limited incomes, those living in urban areas, and those seeking stable long-term homes in which to age in place. This pilot project aims to build on the essential care and support Adult Family Homes (AFHs) already provide, extending their contribution to recovery by intentionally fostering connection, meaningful participation, autonomy, and psychosocial well-being for people with SMI.
The investigators will conduct focus groups in 3-5 AFH in urban areas of WA to learn how community, meaning, and recovery are experienced in AFHs. To increase the study result’s relevance and empower the people being studied, two AFH current or former residents and two current or former AFH staff (including AFH owners), will partner with investigators to develop focus group questions and to inform data collection procedure. The resulting preliminary framework and recommendations will identify which TC-informed practices appear relevant, acceptable, and feasible for further development and testing.