Issue:

Many communities are resistant to the establishment of group homes, also known as community living arrangements (CLA’s), for mentally challenged adults in their neighborhoods. Some people don’t realize that these adults are not mentally ill, but rather just children in adult bodies. There has not been one documented case in Pennsylvania of a neighborhood’s homes values declining because of the establishment of this type of group home. Right now, the state of Pennsylvania can only license a CLA for a maximum of four adults. It would be more cost effective to have several more adults in a home, but this may increase the ‘not in my back yard’ reaction.

Belief:

Having a group home for mentally challenged adults in your neighborhood gives you the opportunity to increase your values of caring and compassion for those less fortunate. Parents can educate their children in these values (and more) by helping at these homes. Like everyone else, many of these adults just need a friend. Allowing larger homes would lower the average cost per resident, thus lowering your taxes. It would be easier to coordinate services such as therapies, doctor visits, etc. at one location instead of two. There may also be less likelihood of abuse with a larger home and neighborhood involvement.