The term deinstitutionalization refers to the process of closing down institutions and repatriation the process of returning these residents to their home communities.

The Provincial Government closed Northwest Regional Centre by the end of 1994 and has committed to closing three others by 2005.

KACL POSITION RELATING TO DEINSTITUTIONALIZATION:

The goal of KACL is to ensure that all people with special needs have the opportunity to live a meaningful and satisfying lifestyle and interact as an equal in their community by providing continuing opportunities for personal growth and through education, training, support, advocacy and an informed public.

The continued placement of such people in large provincially funded institutions is incompatible with the achievement of this goal.

KACL accordingly condemns the placement of new inmates, the return of prior inmates to institutions and commits itself to the repatriations of Kenora and surrounding district citizens to their home community.

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