IPS (Individual Placement and Support) is based on the place-train model developed in the United States since 1990s, in contrast to the train-place model (train=training, place=employment) that is mainstream in Japan. In the place-train model, pre-employment training is not required, and employment at a company in the community is aimed at an early stage, and individual support is provided after employment (i. e., supported employment). Until the end of the 1980 s, support provided to people with severe mental disabilities in the United States was mainly sheltered workshops or institutional work. Subsequently, many social security systems were introduced to secure the employment of persons with disabilities, such as employment promotion for handicapped persons and tax incentives. Ironically, these approaches were however suggested to raise the risk of increasing the number of people dependent on security systems. Consequently, the supported employment model was recommended with the aim of gaining workers at companies in the community. At the same time, the theory of recovery and the strength model that emerged from social work spread, and IPS was established as a novel supported employment system for people with severe mental disabilities that incorporated the new concept of respecting the preferences and wishes of the person with disabilities. Therefore, what is emphasized in the relationship between users and supporters is shared decision making (SDM) rather than informed consent. IPS is gaining momentum internationally, and is being institutionalized in developed countries. Although it has not yet been institutionalized in Japan, it shows a high general employment rate similar to those in Europe and the United States, such as about 2.5 times that of conventional employment support, and 50 to 60% of users are employed by companies, has been reported. It is hoped that IPS will continue to spread and expand in practice in Japan.
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