Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which organization supported the shift towards deinstitutionalization in the 1960s?

1. The Canadian Medical Association

2. The Canadian Federation of Nurses

3. The Canadian Mental Health Association

4. The College of Nurses of Ontario

The correct answer is: The Canadian Mental Health Association

The Canadian Mental Health Association played a pivotal role in advocating for deinstitutionalization during the 1960s. This organization recognized the shortcomings of institutional care for individuals with mental health issues and promoted the idea that these individuals could thrive in community-based settings rather than being confined to psychiatric hospitals. Their efforts were part of a broader movement that sought to transform how mental health care was delivered, focusing on individual rights, community integration, and supportive services designed to enhance quality of life. Deinstitutionalization represented a significant paradigm shift in mental health policy, emphasizing the need for accessible community resources, supportive care, and rehabilitation services. The Canadian Mental Health Association's initiatives were instrumental in influencing public opinion and government policy, ultimately leading to legislative changes that favored community-based care over institutional confinement. Their advocacy laid the groundwork for the modern mental health movement, which seeks to empower individuals by providing them with the support they need to live independently and meaningfully within their communities.