One episode of the podcast Invisibilia highlighted the efficacy of community-based treatment for mental illness. In Geel, Belgium, families have “fostered” those with mental illness for centuries. They accept and love each “boarder” and their quirks, and are given no information about their illness. (Article source: http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/07/01/484083305/for-centuries-a-small-town-has-embraced-strangers-with-mental-illness)
One purpose of the law was to dictate to Israel how to live in community with one another. The law reflected God’s love and mercy towards them, and they were expected to show the same to each other. These residents show love and mercy to their “boarders” by accepting their flaws and not judging them for it.
Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/07/01/484083305/for-centuries-a-small-town-has-embraced-strangers-with-mental-illness
