Deinstitutionalization
Deinstitutionalization shifts people with disabilities or mental illness from large institutions to supported community living. It grew from the 1950s–70s amid human-rights concerns and the normalization principle. CRPD Article 19 guarantees the right to choose where and with whom to live; the CRPD Committee issued guidelines in 2022. Research shows outcomes improve when adequate community services exist; under-resourced US psychiatric closures were linked to homelessness and incarceration.
Frequently asked questions
- Does it mean closing all facilities?
- The aim is a shift to community-based support; approaches vary.
- What is the international basis?
- CRPD Article 19.
References
- United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (2017). General comment No. 5 on living independently and being included in the community.
- United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (2022). Guidelines on deinstitutionalization, including in emergencies.
- Mansell, J., & Beadle-Brown, J. (2010). Deinstitutionalisation and community living: Position statement. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 54(2), 104–112.