deinstitutionalization

Definition

The policy of releasing people from long-term institutional care (such as psychiatric hospitals or prisons) into community-based settings. It began in the 1950s as a mental health reform but often resulted in inadequate community support.

Example Usage

The deinstitutionalization movement of the 1960s promised better care but left many homeless individuals without proper mental health services.

Origin

From de- (removal) + institutionalization

Fun Fact

It's often cited as one of the largest unintended contributors to homelessness in modern America.

Source: Word-list API top-up / extra_long (hailey)

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