Deciphering deinstitutionalization: complexities in policy and program analysis.

Deinstitutionalization as a public policy promised to be a major departure from previous psychiatric practice. Decrying traditional "medical paradigms" and the custodial "warehousing" of mental patients, policy makers advanced a "bold new approach" for care in the community. Progressive humanitarian reform could go hand in hand with fiscal conservatism. Community Mental Health Centers were to be the heart of a new national effort. But the rhetoric of reform failed to coalesce the activities among competing federal and state interests and systems. Intended beneficiaries may have become unfortunate victims.