Home from home: a survey of independent living schemes for people with mental handicaps

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a major survey of independent living schemes (ILS) by the Joint Unit for Social Services Research. The survey covered 149 schemes, accommodating 349 people in four different parts of the country. Detailed information is given on the characteristics of the schemes and on the characteristics of their occupants. Four different management models are defined using the evidence from the survey, and key features of the ILS population are identified.