Parental opposition to deinstitutionalization: A challenge in need of attention and resolution.

Abstract
Parental opposition to the deinstitutionalization of mentally retarded persons is a growing, organized phenomenon which has recently emerged as a nationwide challenge to the deinstitutionalization movement. It is a challenge, however, which has been virtually ignored by key actors in the movement, including planners and implementers of deinstitutionalization schemes, systemic and individual advocates, and researchers. In order to begin to address and appropriately resolve the challenges posed by this phenomenon, an examination of it was undertaken in Nebraska using a tripartite conceptual framework which (1) historically described the national and state social-legal context within which parental opposition has emerged; (2) identified the bases of the opposition; and (3) recommended how these concerns could be addressed and appropriately resolved by offering directions for future research and policy analysis based upon applicable psychological theories and studies, and legal decisions and principles.

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