| Laws concerning the treatment, involuntary detention and community integration for those with developmental disabilities were revised on federal and state levels, in association with the Civil Rights Act (1964). Both sets of legislation endorsed the concepts of community placement, self-determination, and "least restrictive environment" as ideals for affected persons, their families and the community. Problems with implementation stem from budget restraints, lack of community-based care, unfamiliarity with services, and problems inherent with application of broad laws to individual cases. Social workers are well qualified to provide services to those suffering from developmental disabilities. Social workers are trained to identify various conditions, recognize the ramifications for the affected individual as well as the supporting cultural systems, and provide treatment in inpatient as well as outpatient settings. Furthermore, this training allows social workers to interact with individuals, families, other clinicians, and advocate at the community-level. |
