Two successful group home development programs are in New Jersey and
Illinois. The Good Neighbors Program in New Jersey, established by the
Department of Human Services, is similar to the Portland program but is
statewide. Its mission is "to advocate for an ongoing, proactive
exchange of information and education among providers of residential social
services and community members to ensure mutual understanding and respect that
results in long-term, supportive, peaceful relationships that promote safe,
livable communities."
Besides facilitating the establishment of group homes, the program is also
dedicated to educating children, which includes a school curriculum about
disability and difference, along with coloring books that introduce the ideas
of difference and disability.
In Illinois, the DuPage County Community Development Commission has worked
with the DuPage County Health Department and the Alliance for the Mentally Ill
to facilitate the siting of group homes. By keeping the elected officials and
residents constantly informed of new developments in group home building, they
have diffused tensions and achieved many of their construction goals.