Toward Family and Community Mental Retardation Services in Massachusetts, New England, and the United States

摘要

Current trends in mental retardation services in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts were investigated using the New England region, the state of Michigan, and the United States as comparative frames of reference. Our goal was to analyze recent structural, financial, and programmatic trends in Massachusetts and the New England region to close state institutions and implement community and family support services. Massachusetts in particular illustrates the policy choices and challenges facing many American states engaged in restructuring their service delivery systems. New England is an extremely dynamic and innovative region that is providing significant national leadership in the provision of alternatives to institutional care.