Final answer:
Deinstitutionalization signifies the transition from institutional care to localized, community-based facilities. It reflects a broader social change toward more integrated care and community involvement in various sectors including mental health and education.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deinstitutionalization is a deliberate shift from institutional care to community facilities. This significant movement has occurred in various sectors, such as mental health, where the focus has moved away from large, centralized institutions toward providing care within localized, community-based settings. This shift is linked to social changes, with professionals in disciplines like clinical psychology becoming change agents within society.
The impact of deinstitutionalization can be complex, affecting organizational and community systems as outlined in studies like those by Foster-Fishman et al. (2007) and Hawe et al. (2009). The idea is that a more integrated, community-focused approach can lead to better outcomes and a higher quality of life for individuals who would otherwise be placed in institutional settings.
Moreover, this trend extends beyond mental health. It is noticeable in areas like education and social services, where practices evolve to better integrate individuals into their communities, such as the busing program aimed to desegregate education. The movement towards community systems also manifests in the expansion of programs like Housing First, which prioritizes community-based support for homeless individuals.