deinstitutionalize
Deinstitutionalization refers to the process of moving individuals with mental health conditions or developmental disabilities out of large, often state-run residential institutions and into community-based settings. This movement gained significant momentum in the mid-20th century, driven by concerns about the quality of care, overcrowding, and perceived human rights violations within traditional institutions. The underlying philosophy of deinstitutionalization is that individuals receive more effective and humane treatment in smaller, less restrictive environments that are closer to their families and support networks.
The shift involved the closure of many large mental hospitals and the development of a range of
However, the implementation of deinstitutionalization has faced challenges. In some cases, the closure of institutions outpaced