re: Willowbrook: The Last Great Disgrace (NSFW)

'Weeping in the Playtime of Others' is a terrific read. Began my career at Northwest Louisiana State School in 1980 and never experienced the likes of Willowbrook. Problems? You betcha but pharmacological intervention was in its infancy and State governments and Federal funding were anemic, at best. The staff were left on islands to fend for themselves - litigation ensued and a modicum of humanity entered.

In 1990 - my next destination and for 25 years - was North Texas State Hospital - primarily mental health - and such facilities had similar issues for similar reasons. Deinstitutionalism commenced with the expectation that localties would meet the need (since being institutionalized was inherently wrong). Some localities have done terrific jobs while others are serviceable.

State Hospital beds are now occupied by persons on criminal code commitments and not civil commitments. Why? Because the jails became the next 'residential' for the chronically mentally ill [or nursing homes - the old school types]

There is a definite need for residential services for the chronically mentally ill as there is for those having acute episodes. It is my hope we resist the swing and find a healthy continuum - for the ill, their families and communities at large ...but what do I know!!!