Paradigmenwechsel in der Behindertenhilfe unter Bedingungen institioneller Beharrlichkeit: Strukturelle Voraussetzungen der Implementation Offener Hilfen für Menschen mit geistiger Behinderung

With a neo-institutional approach the first part of this study analyses reasons, why the current
German support system for persons with intellectual disabilities is still dominated by
‘institutional practice’. Structuring historical developmental path are presented, that restrict
options of reform. The second part evaluates empirical studies that compare effects of
institutional and community types of care for persons with intellectual disability. One result is,
that the traditional concept of ‘the institution’ as a category for care is of limited use for
structural reform approaches. External characteristics of organisations do not per se ‘guarantee’
good quality of care. Also community services need certain sets of rules, to assure reliability
and continuity of their support.
The third part presents cornerstones for a new understanding of the term ‘intititution’ in the
Heilpädagogik. Institutions are not conceived as material-social phenomenons (buildings,
hospitals), but as sets of rules that standardise role-expectations. It is suggested, to use the term
‘organization’ for professional services, that are structured by professional sets of rules
(institutions). The fourth part suggests characteristics of ‘institutions’ that have to be respected
in the process of implementation of ‘Open Services’,a new type of services for persons with
intellectual disability. They are based on the principles of the ‘new paradigm’ (self
determination, civil rights,participation) and are worked out in the framework of an ecological
approach for personal development.
The disseration wants to contribute to the theoretical fundament of the regional planning
approach ‘Networks of Open Services for Persons with Disabilities, NetOH’ of the the Centre
for Planning and Evaluation of Social Services (ZPE) at the University of Siegen, Germany.