Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which time period is primarily associated with the deinstitutionalization movement related to the criminalization of the mentally ill?

1. 1950-1960s

2. 1960-1970s

3. 1980-1990s

4. 1970-1980s

The correct answer is: 1960-1970s

The deinstitutionalization movement is primarily associated with the period of the 1960s to the 1970s. During this time, there was a significant shift in mental health care policy that aimed to move individuals with mental illnesses out of large psychiatric institutions and into community-based settings. This was largely driven by advances in psychiatric medication, changing attitudes toward mental health treatment, and advocacy for the rights of individuals with mental illness. The focus on community care during this era led to the closure of many mental hospitals, yet it also resulted in significant challenges, including a lack of adequate community support systems. As individuals were released from institutions, many struggled to find the necessary resources and services in their communities, which contributed to issues such as homelessness and increased interactions with the criminal justice system. This period of deinstitutionalization is often linked to the criminalization of the mentally ill, as individuals who lacked proper treatment and support found themselves increasingly involved in the legal system. This historical context is essential to understanding the complexities of mental health care and the consequences of policy changes during the 1960s and 1970s.