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Deinstitutionalization

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Deinstitutionalization

Patricia Wilson

Liberty University

Abstract
The purpose of this research is to look at the history of deinstitutionalization; the driving forces behind it; and the impact it made on the individual, their family and society. Deinstitutionalization has been a topic of controversy from its onset. Did it create a further mental health crisis? Or was it successful with providing individuals who were suffering from a mental illness or intellectual developmental disability an opportunity of achieving their hopes and dreams and doing so by receiving supports in the least restrictive environment possible.
The goal of deinstitutionalization was to develop a full range of community services that would take the place of institutions. Several driving forces were behind this: the development of psychiatric drugs, the belief that people should receive treatment as opposed to institutionalization, and federal policy and funding. Many hoped that these factors would greatly reduce and perhaps even eliminate mental illness. The individual transitioning from institutions, their family, and society were all impacted by this new direction. Most were not prepared for this move. The lack of planning and adequate treatment led to many unforeseen consequences such as homelessness and incarceration. A shift to community based care was encouraged through the Mental Health Centers Act of 1963. Various services were offered but unfortunately they focused more on helping people who did not present a serious mental illness. Mental health reform has come a long way since the start of deinstitutionalization. Today, individuals with a mental illness or intellectual developmental disability have a much larger option of services they can receive to assist them with remaining active members of their community.

History of Deinstitutionalization One of

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