A Case Study on Mentally Disabled Young People’s Participatory Experience of Community Mental Health Program -Centered around participants of「Cheong․Jeong Dangdang」Program-

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experience and meaning of mentally disabled young people's participation in the community mental health program. For the purpose, the study carried out a case research in which those people's views were reflected. Participants of the research were 7 young persons with mental disorder. This study made a deep interview with them on a one-on-one basis, and collected their statements. Among the statements, the study analyzed responses that it considered meaningful. As a result, 3 themes, 7 sub-themes and 27 factors were drawn out in regard to mentally disabled young people's experience of the community mental health program. The three themes were ① yearning for a job, but frequently falling, ② recovery and major or minor growth ③ I who am not different from ordinary young people. In conclusion, the findings of this study implied that young people with mental disorder should be given supports for future planning and advance into society. Based on this, the study made several suggestions such as development and distribution of more community programs for the young mentally disabled, provision of more opportunities for their lifelong education, case management, and connection with resources that facilitate them to live as a young member of community.