California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that makes it easier for authorities to compel treatment for people with mental illness or addiction issues. The proposal is partly aimed at addressing the state’s growing homelessness crisis.
I have lived on the streets, lived in rooming houses and been a social worker. I have seen the worst, and most often that’s happened when people are forced into compliance … ie: jump through these 20 hoops to be “free”.
Given your experience what do you believe would be a good starting point towards caring for these individuals? What issues and solutions do you see that aren’t addressed? I understand I’m an outsider looking in on this issue, avoiding the mentality ill homeless like many others. But if my vote can go towards a better solutions I’d like to learn about them.
Given your experience what do you believe would be a good starting point towards caring for these individuals?
Housing first, then a guaranteed income. Right along side of those you have mental health workers and health workers visiting daily to assess the individual’s wants and needs. People have to be involved in their own lives, not just told what to do to “cure” themselves.
What issues and solutions do you see that aren’t addressed?
As a society we must stop condemning those who who are different, who don’t operate under the same rules as the gen pop. We have to start understanding that not everyone starts off with the same abilities and benefits, ie: an intact family structure, enough wealth to eat 3 times a day or go on a holiday.
We have to see everyone as valuable simply because they are a human being, and entitled to our respect and care for the same reason.
And we MUST immediately stop believing that money is in any way, shape or form more important than any person’s basic fundamental needs. Money is a tool to be used. People are not.
As a Californian who also works in the ED, there are levels to mental illness. Clearly you haven’t seen the worst of it.
The problem is, how do you ensure this is only used for “the worst of it”?
I have lived on the streets, lived in rooming houses and been a social worker. I have seen the worst, and most often that’s happened when people are forced into compliance … ie: jump through these 20 hoops to be “free”.
Given your experience what do you believe would be a good starting point towards caring for these individuals? What issues and solutions do you see that aren’t addressed? I understand I’m an outsider looking in on this issue, avoiding the mentality ill homeless like many others. But if my vote can go towards a better solutions I’d like to learn about them.
Housing first, then a guaranteed income. Right along side of those you have mental health workers and health workers visiting daily to assess the individual’s wants and needs. People have to be involved in their own lives, not just told what to do to “cure” themselves.
As a society we must stop condemning those who who are different, who don’t operate under the same rules as the gen pop. We have to start understanding that not everyone starts off with the same abilities and benefits, ie: an intact family structure, enough wealth to eat 3 times a day or go on a holiday.
We have to see everyone as valuable simply because they are a human being, and entitled to our respect and care for the same reason.
And we MUST immediately stop believing that money is in any way, shape or form more important than any person’s basic fundamental needs. Money is a tool to be used. People are not.