Back Wards to Back Streets

The unintended consequences of the de-institutionation of the mentally ill, and successful treatment programs that integrate former patients into community life.

For humanitarian reasons the Supreme Court decided that mental patients who could live safely in freedom could not be held against their will. The intent was to give them supportive care back in their communities. But the money for community mental health programs never materialized. Instead, many released patients ended up in grossly inadequate housing or on back streets all over America.

Filmed throughout the country, this program reveals shocking examples of living conditions, from group homes that exploit the residents to jails where they have been placed for minor charges. The documentary also showcases examples of successful community treatment programs where patients are led back to normal life. It takes money and care, but it can be done.

Produced by Roger Weisberg and Directed by Bob Morris





Public Policy Productions, Inc.
P.O. Box 650
Palisades, NY 10964
(845) 398-2119
Roger Weisberg, President
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