After 50 years of de-institutionalisation, most of the large psychiatric hospitals have either been closed or substantially downsized.
It is 40 years since the first Australian research project showed that community-based care was effective and preferred by people and their families. But are we now in danger of re-creating those institutions in the community?
People with lived experience of mental health disorders have the right to live in the community in freedom, among family and friends, with dignity, respect and ability to exercise their human rights.