Throughout the latter half of the 1990s, residents of state hospitals continued moving out and, eventually, all units were closed.
The last three residents of the Brainerd facility moved to supported living homes in Chisholm in 1999.
The drive for community-based services was completed in July 2000 when the last resident of a Minnesota state institution left the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center.
One of the last three residents to leave ( top). The Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center (bottom).
It is important that history does not repeat itself and that we remember the lessons we've learned.
The struggles of the past half century have taught us:
- Not to open any new institutions;
- To keep families together and allow individuals to make their own decisions;
- That all lives have value;
- That all people have a right to live free from abuse, neglect and injuries;
- No human being should have to surrender his or her liberty to receive necessary services and supports;
- That people with developmental disabilities have the right to both personal safety and liberty.
It is important that history does not repeat itself.
Video: Minnesota's Housing Access Services Program is successful in working with individuals with disabilities to find a home of their own in the community.