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This research aims to study the interaction between the Zhangxin Community in Taipei City, an ordinary community in a big city, and the Taipei Yi-Shou Care Center, an institution for the psychiatric disabled. In the first part of the study, the researcher reviews the process of how the Taipei Yi-Shou Care Center moved into the Zhangxin community, whereas the second part analyzes the interaction between them and further provides suggestions for future cooperation. Besides, the researcher specifically adopts the concept of “Not-in-my-backyard syndrome” (NIMBY) as the theoretical background to survey the perceptions of the community residents toward the care center. Moreover, this study identifies the reasoning behind the acceptance or refuse of the move-in of the care center. Finally, this paper analyzes current status of interactions through the lens of conflict process. In summary, the aim of the research is to identify how community residents interact with an institution for the psychiatric disabled; furthermore, this study concludes the essence of community work in helping community residents and health care institution to cohabit, achieve mutual help, and integrate with each other.
This research adopts case study method and collects data from multiple sources, such as onsite observation of the interaction and in-depth interview. For the in-depth interview, this study recruited key persons who have participated in and are aware of the issue. Therefore, the interviewees range from the government officials who have planned or taken charge of the move-in, the managers or workers of the care center or higher level of administration, to the Zhangxin community residents who are aware of the issue or general community affair. Accordingly, this paper first strives to investigate the move-in process, from the decision-making processes of the establishment of the Taipei Yi-Shou Care Center and the conflicts between the supporters and critiques during construction, to the perceptions, solutions, and actions toward the problem from the government, non-government organizations, and the residents. Second, the study thoroughly reviews the history of the interaction pattern between the residents and the institution, including the status quo of the interaction, the perception and the NIMBY of the residents toward the care center, and the situation and reasons of acceptance or refuse of the care center. In the end, this paper proposes possible means to help the care center better integrate with the community.
This research proposes six suggestions for policy below: 1. Review the policy of public lands to avoid diluting the resources of social welfare. 2. Invite the disabled to participate in policy making to realize essential community care. 3. Set up community mental health centers to render the opportunities for the disabled to live in the original community. 4. Safeguard the right of residence of the disabled through legislation and education. 5. Organize volunteer groups of the care center, and improve the mutual benefit and cohabitation relationship between the institution and the community. 6. Community and institution workers manage long-term relationship with the community through modest attitude and in flexible, creative ways.
Key words: community, psychiatric disability, care institution, Not-In-My-Backyard syndrome(NIMBY).
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