Welfare Reform on the Web (October 2002): Mental Health Services - Overseas

THE NEED FOR POLICY DIRECTION IN THE PROVISION OF CARE TO THE MENTALLY ILL: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY VIEW

R G Krieg

Journal of Socio-Economics, vol. 31, 2002, p. 105-113

Argues that mental health care in the USA is underprovided and that the role of non-profit agencies should be expanded. Demand for mental healthcare is low in the US free market because potential consumers do not believe they need care, or dismiss it as not worth the expense. This reluctance of consumers to demand care is supported by the US legal system, which upholds their right not to seek treatment on grounds of individual liberty. Increasing the supply of care would hopefully stimulate demand by reducing costs and making services more easily accessible.

THE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF SOCIAL INCLUSION: VOICES OF YOUNG ADULTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES IN GUANGZHOU

V Pearson, Y -C Wong and J Pierini

Disability and Society, vol. 17, 2002, p. 365-382

Young people with learning difficulties and their carers from 10 families in Guangzhou express their views on work and other social contacts. The young people were unable to gain the respect of their society because any work that they could get was not meaningful, but was a token of charity. Economic reforms have made the labour market more competitive, leaving little room for consideration of the need of people with a disability to work. The Chinese government has promulgated laws and drawn up plans to put the inclusion of disabled people on the agenda. However the link between the policy initiatives and practical implementation on the ground is missing.