Mental Institution Reform

So now thinking about the vast abuse/neglect cases and devastating environments people are forced to live in, I am thinking about solutions? What can be done to reverse the problems? Funding? More promotion for careers in mental health? Breakthrough cures to disorders? I think that if we really want change, we have to look at a combination of reform techniques, creating new versions of the institutions that were once freakshow houses or prison wards where there are friendly iron bars, brutal attendants, and an atmosphere of complete control. Reforms are needed in every aspect. The first aspect of reform that i have been reading about is talking about atmosphere. If it feels like a prison, abuse is more likely to occur. I was just reading a fascinating article in which the Yuli model of reform is being implemented. The largest mental hospital in Taiwan has undergone some serious changes. Once looking like a prison, it is now a picture of colorful stimulation and relaxation. The Yuli model of reform definitely looks promising. The focus is on theraputic community and vocational training. But what i liked most about the article was that it talked about the interaction between the patients and the town. The people were able to be free. In many places, the patients do not have the freedom to live functioning lives. The set-up of the center in Taiwan enabled the patients to safely be able to actually get out, unlike those being locked in rooms and chained to beds for decades at a time.

I will get more info on that later. This is the beginning of an entire segment on finding solutions to the mental institution problem.