The Dual Diagnosis Forum provides an opportunity for networking, idea sharing and reflection among people who provide supports to others facing the dual challenge of mental retardation and mental illness. The Forum brings together Pennsylvanians who are dedicated to improving the ways in which people with mental retardation and a concurrent mental illness are supported, served and perceived in their homes and communities.
Membership is voluntary and is open to anyone.
The Forum was organized in response to the belief that people with the concurrent disabilities of mental retardation and mental illness have often been rendered invisible in the eyes of professionals and that they have frequently been served ineffectively and inappropriately. The Forum will explore the issues which impact upon the provision of services and supports to these individuals and will attempt to effect positive changes in those services and in the lives of the people involved. As an adjunct to the work of the Dual Diagnosis Forum, the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Retardation has established a new publication, the Pennsylvania Journal On Positive Approaches , which is dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities and challenging behaviors live fulfilling, Every Day lives. The Journal has been linked to the Forum home page in recognition of our shared missions. The Mission of the Dual Diagnosis Forum is to facilitate activities which will assure that individuals with mental retardation who also have a mental illness are treated with respect, dignity, quality services and choice in their community.