The process of deinstitutionalization: an international overview

Abstract

The process oJ deinsttutionallzalion has led to the clos ng or downsizing of lomer asylums and 10 the development ol community-based nental health care models in many counlres, most notably in Westem Europe, Nodh Ameica and AusvaliaL/ New Zealand. The quality of lhe resulting commudly menlal @re sysiems va es substanually acrcss counties worldwide, depending on vaious {acto6 such as linancial resources and social ac@ptance of delnsiitdionalizalion. Confi nemenl of those with dangerous behaviours, the righl of mentally ill people as membersofthe community, then successiul inlegration inlhe community and aGess to employmenl and housing are some of the challenges facing counlries with advanced deinstiluiionalization. In otherc, the prccess oi de'hospila ization is still lnder way. Fulure research rnay utilize inlemational comparisons 10 analyse deinsiitulionalization processes from a sociological and hislorlcal perspeciive and locus on evaluating new ioms oI inslilutionalized carc in the community, in pa.ticular, models of supporled housing