Fears about the development of a group home

Neighbor resistance has been a major barrier to the development of group homes in the community. This study describes the effects of a group home on its neighborhood along three dimensions—criminal behavior of the residents, traffic problems and adjacent property values. A survey of key informants in the community revealed that none of the expected problems had occurred. The author describes the locational decisionmaking process within the context of open systems and exchange theories.Donald E. Maypole was the Executive Director of the Mississippi River Human Services Center from 1971–1976, which covers the beginning of the study period. He is currently coordinator of the Social Work Program at the University of Northern Iowa. Requests for reprints should be sent to Dr. Maypole, Social Work Program, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614.