The Opinions of Mental Health Facility Administrators on the Effects of Children's Rights and Deinstitutionalization

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a survey of opinions of mental health administrators in regards to children's rights and deinstitutionalization. Data from 107 respondents (45% of those to whom a survey was mailed) revealed wide variability in responses unrelated to professional discipline, type of agency, or years of experience. While both positive and negative specific effects were noted, the majority of respondents seemed to endorse both movements overall. There was a sufficient degree of agreement by respondents about adverse consequences to suggest that empirical research into the effects of both movements is clearly in order. If empirical findings support expert opinion, a closer look-at the means by which both movements are actualized would be warranted.

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