The housing first model (HFM) fidelity index: designing and testing a tool for measuring integrity of housing programs that serve active substance users

The Housing First Model (HFM) is an approach to serving formerly homeless individuals with dually diagnosed mental health and substance use disorders regardless of their choice to use substances or engage in other risky behaviors. The model has been widely diffused across the United States since 2000 as a result of positive findings related to consumer outcomes. However, a lack of clear fidelity guidelines has resulted in inconsistent implementation. The research team and their community partner collaborated to develop a HFM Fidelity Index. We describe the instrument development process and present results from its initial testing. (Description taken from key Abstract information)

Journal article

Watson, D. P., Orwat, J., Wagner, D. E., Shumna, V., & Tolliver, R. (2013). The housing first model (HFM) fidelity index: designing and testing a tool for measuring integrity of housing programs that serve active substance users. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 8 (16). https://doi.org/10.1186/1747-597X-8-16.