Ira A. Burnim

In the following viewpoint, Ira A. Burnim argues that the mentally ill should not be institutionalized. He contends that institutionalization is harmful because it segregates those individuals from the rest of society and greatly limits their autonomy. According to Burnim, the poor care often found in institutions can cause psychic damage and the loss of social skills. In his view, resources should be redirected toward services that integrate mentally ill persons with the rest of the community. Burnim is a lawyer for the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, D.C.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Burnim, what are the two conditions that need to be met in order for a state to offer community services?
2. When should the mentally ill be institutionalized...