News Release
09/24/96

More Consumers of Public Mental Health Services At Work, Report Shows

The number of public mental health consumers employed through supported employment increased at least 40% during the last three years, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) reported today.

According to the 1996 Supported Employment Status Report, 4,906 consumers are employed through the programs. Nearly 80% were employed 10 hours or more per week. Of those, 50% were employed 20 hours or more, and 13% were employed full-time.

"Contributing through work, earning an income, and feeling a sense of independence are keys to assisting public mental health consumers to become participating members of their communities," said MDCH Director, James K. Haveman, Jr. "We are very pleased with the numbers and look forward to helping continue this positive trend."

MDCH facilitated the development of the community-based employment opportunities in 1985. Since then, MDCH has continued the focus on supported employment through collaborative relationships with the Michigan Jobs Commission to leverage federal funds. Performance objectives for supported employment are now included in the master contracts with community mental health service programs, encouraging each program to increase the employment options available to consumers.

All persons employed through this program receive supports, which include:

• job placement

• vocational counseling

• job coaching

• work place adaptation

• peer and long term supports.

The supports are arranged or provided by MDCH, Community Mental Health Services Programs, Michigan Jobs Commission - Rehabilitation Services, and other rehabilitation organizations.

Jobs are divided into two general types:

• Individual Placements/Transitional Employment 2,853 (58%)
  (Individuals working by themselves in private sector settings, such as restaurants, stores, and hotels)

• Group Placements (Enclaves/Mobile Crews) 2,053 (42%)
  Individuals working together in a group with a full-time supervisor. Settings include janitorial and factory settings.)
  

These numbers do not reflect additional consumers who have moved on to competitive employment without supports or those who work in their own business.