No Internet access for mental health inpatients??

[Celebration]

Someone I knew years ago contacted me by snail mail. She has schizophrenia, and is in a group home setting. The family has plenty of money and finally found a place that was satisfactory. Anyway, I did write her back (feel sorry for her) and asked about email. She wrote back yet again and said they are not allowed computers or email. I imagine some of them probably would get into porn websites, etc. Is there a good filtering system for the internet? Could they at least get some sort of safe AOL? Couldn't they at least get email only? I could email pictures that way.

From a selfish point of view, I would rather correspond by email than snail mail, but I also think some contact would be better for these patients. Is there anything that I can suggest? She is plenty intelligent and would not have a problem figuring it out.

I understand their concern but wish something could filter websites well. I just don't know what is available for such a situation.

Any ideas? I could copy answers and send them to her to give to the administrators, if you have any ideas.

[david13]

1. I've never done it. But I have seen a lot of people use library computers

for email when they are on the road. I think also hotels, motels, and others have a computer in the lobby that sometimes is limited to guests, but if she were to be friendly with the desk people, and allow them to know what she was doing, maybe they could help her.
I don't know how or when libraries limit internet use, but to them, it's like a book. Free access (with certain limits) to any patron.
dc

[Celebration]

2. I doubt that they get to go to the public library

If there even is one in this small town. Most likely this institution has its own library. That is where I think they should get email access. She is taken to Sunday School and church twice a week, but I bet they want them in structured situations like that, rather than roaming around a public library. I mean, they are institutionalized for a reason.

Doesn't AOL have really secure internet access for kids? Or are there other services that do that? I really think they should allow them each at least an hour a week on a computer. Surely someone could supervise it.

[Why Syzygy]

5. Is that home

near San Antonio?

[Celebration]

6. well, it is in Texas

A border town I think....... I had no idea she was there until she wrote me a letter apologizing for something that happened thirty years ago--which, of course, I have practically no recollection. I liked her though. I never thought I knew her that well. I wouldn't mind emailing her. Snail mail just isn't my thing. But I guess I can handle it four or five times a year, LOL. She sure knows her bible verses. She quoted extensively from the bible in both letters. I don't think she is fundamentalist--just kinda screwed up, in all respects. It's a shame. I think she even graduated from medical school. The letter was a shock. I think she deserves a computer and internet access. That upsets me a little. I realize, though, that there are issues with this.

[Why Syzygy]

7. There are some

EXTREMELY fundamentalist group homes in central Texas. They actually border on slave labor. Remember my five roommates? One had come from one of these homes. I couldn't believe she put up with that treatment for a YEAR. Those places are scary. I hope it isn't one of those, but it sure sounds like it. You can forget about Internet. They are slaves. I don't even think they should be legal.

ps. And the apology for 30 years ago sounds like 12 Step work, or a religious fundie equivalent.

[Celebration]

8. nothing like that

They just provide transportation to an Episcopal church for her twice a week. It is probably her only real outlet. I feel like this is probably a more medically oriented place.

[Why Syzygy]

9. whew.

Fortunate for her. Sorry I don't have any advice.

[Celebration]

10. the event came to her during meditation

she said........but she has probably read about 12 step programs. Honestly, the incident with me, that, believe me, was no incident at all, was probably the last time that she was mostly sane. I think that is why she remembered it. "Remember me, when I was sane? And I blew it." She didn't say that. I think this was thirty years ago.

I really wish she had internet. She would thrive on that. The content of her letters are not normal, but her grammar and wording is way better than I could do.

[Dead_Parrot]

3. Tricky

I think the problem is you'd need to be able to specify who could access what on an individual basis. Whilst there are a number of systems that could be set up to do this from a technical perspective, there would be an awful lot of overhead involved in reviewing which sites are suitable for which patients, how much access they should have with regards to uploading/posting, and keeping the system secure from patients using each others log-ins and terminals to bypass it.

It's not impossible, but if it involves (ass-pulling) $5,000 set-up & $5,000 per annum per patient, it might just be too low down the priority list to warrant the outlay.

[sam sarrha]

4. at least let em play games FGS