Grant: Operating Grant

Supported employment (SE) initiatives have yielded the most significant results in terms of work integration for people with severe mental illness. In fact, SE programs are now described by proponents of this approach as 'evidence-based practices' to help people with mental illness obtain a job. Authors underline that certain components are empirically stronger than others, and consequently should receive particular attention when SE programs are implemented. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the implementation of SE services in three Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Ontario, and Québec) by conducting fidelity and quality of services evaluations, as well as organizational analyses. This study also aims to evaluate the effectiveness of specific components on employment of people with severe mental illness - considering both SE components that have been implemented and personal characteristics. The objectives are therefore threefold: 1 - To assess the fidelity of and to describe SE components offered to people with severe mental illness registered in SE programs implemented in three Canadian provinces; 2 - To conduct an organizational analysis to better understand how the dynamics between major stakeholders have led to the implementation of particular SE components; 3 - To determine the effectiveness of all SE components on vocational outcomes for people with severe mental illness - while taking the client's personal characteristics into consideration - to determine which components can be adapted, modified, omitted or added without affecting outcomes. More funds are needed to complete this last objective. The results of this study will help tailor vocational services to consumer needs, individual characteristics and environmental circumstances, and they could further assist in the development of best practices and enhancement of outcomes in Canada.