Which of the following has been a negative effect of the deinstitutionalization movement?
A) a significant increase in violent crime by those who were released
B) a nearly total collapse of the nationwide system of mental hospitals and community mental health centers
C) an increase in the number of mentally ill patients requiring long-term care
D) the abandonment of many former patients who, now homeless, wander the streets of American cities

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The deinstitutionalization movement led to the release of many mentally ill patients, often without proper support or resources, resulting in many becoming homeless and wandering the streets of American cities. This has been a negative effect of the movement. Option A is not entirely accurate as research has shown that individuals with mental illness are more likely to be victims of violent crime than perpetrators. Option B is not entirely accurate as there are still mental hospitals and community mental health centers operating, albeit in smaller numbers compared to the past. Option C is not entirely accurate as deinstitutionalization was intended to provide community-based care options for mentally ill patients, rather than long-term institutionalization.

Which of the Following Has Been a Negative Effect of the Deinstitutionalization