Is Statewide Deinstitutionalization of Childrens Services a Forward or Backward Social Movement?
Reviewed is the movement toward deinstitutionalization of handicapped children in terms of the sources of pressures toward deinstitutionalization, alternatives, effects of institutional experience on children, and possible consequences of the movement. Pressures discussed are those deriving from the assumed negative effects of institutionalization on children and those deriving from social reform actions and movements (litigation, legislation, and citizen pressures). Alternative options mentioned are the following: shorten length of stay in institutions, cut down referrals for admissions, develop a phase out plan, and move toward a highly differentiated system of institutions. Commentary is cited on the present knowledge concerning effects of the institutional experience on children in such areas as dehumanization, treatment effects, effects of institutional structure and placement process, effects of geographic distance, and costs of institutional care. The following service alternati
