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A comparative appraisal of some community‐based alternatives to institutionalization
Author(s) -
Rust Margaret A.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
american journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.113
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1573-2770
pISSN - 0091-0562
DOI - 10.1007/bf00878045
Subject(s) - citation , health psychology , library science , institutionalisation , sociology , psychology , media studies , computer science , medicine , public health , psychiatry , nursing
Mental disorders and criminal behavior are considered to fall under the rubric of deviance. This perspective of deviant behavior forms the framework for comparing community-based programs for emotionally disturbed persons and for offenders with institutionally based program~ The interactionist model lends itself to the development of community-based modalities in lieu of institutionalization; in contrast, the internal locus model has traditionally led to long-term confinement. In this appraisal, significant dimensions of community-based programs are explored, including selection variables for individuals, program variables, community variables, and interdependent models for assessing the interaction among them. The costs and benefits, both to the individual and to the community, of implementing community-based alternatives are discussed. Recommendations are made regarding evaluation and accountability.