Deinstitutionalization

A concept which has three interrelated processes: 1) avoiding placement in a public institution by developing, finding, and using alternative community methods of care and training; 2) return to the community of those residents who can function appropriately and who can benefit from community-based rehabilitation and training programs; and 3) establishment and maintenance of a responsible institutional environment which protects the human and civil rights of persons with disability and which contributes to the appropriate and prompt return of the individual to the community.