Public Policy Positions

Serious mental illness and homelessness can destroy people and families. These problems cut through the fabric of communities in ways that are painful for individuals and costly for society. Too many people with mental illness are essentially warehoused with poor services that do little to help them get better. Many others live on the streets. The solutions to these issues are available but too often ignored.

Next Steps builds political support for proven programs that restore opportunity and reduce costs. We advocate for public policies that would improve mental health and spend government funds more wisely.

Consumer/survivor movement: We must transform our mental health system into one in which consumers and survivors are actively involved in our own treatment. Read more

Community Services: Community mental health services help mental health consumers and survivors in Illinois live successfully as full members of the community. Read more

Nursing homes: Illinois must reduce its overreliance on institutional care such as nursing homes, which is less effective and more costly than community-based services. Read more

Homelessness: “Housing First” programs quickly place people in permanent housing with few restrictions, and worry about providing services after that. Read more