The deinstitutionalization of people with a developmental disability under the Richmond Program: I. Changes in adaptive behaviour

Abstract

As part of a study of deinstitutionalization under the Richmond Program in New South Wales, changes in adaptive and maladaptive behaviour in a sample of persons with developmental disabilities relocated from hospital-based accommodation to group home living within the community were examined using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Pre and posttest assessments one year apart were carried out on 57 subjects, of whom 26 were placed in the community and 31 remained in an institution. The results showed a significant increase in adaptive functioning in relocated subjects, and no corresponding change in those continuing to reside in a hospital environment. Most of the increase in adaptive behaviour over this period occurred in the daily living skills domain, with somewhat smaller changes being registered in communication and socialisation skills. There was no significant change in maladaptive behaviour in the first year following deinstitutionalization.

Notes

This study was supported by a research grant from the Prince Henry Hospital Centenary Research Fund. The authors wish to acknowledge the assistance of Ms. Kathy Harris and Mr. Peter Reily in carrying out the investigation. Requests for reprints should be sent to Dr. John Taplin, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, P.O. Box 1, Kensington, N.S.W. 2033, Australia.