That’s the one thing I hold against President Reagan, I know the court was about to order them all released anyway, but he could have told the Court to pound Sand. It wasn’t that long ago that the separation of powers was understood. The Court has no way of Enforcing Anything the Executive branch doesn’t want to enforce, this is where Congress can step in and fund or defund the Executive Branch to get what they want. Too Bad they don’t teach history, civics, math, reading... anymore, if they did we would have a revolution overnight.
I should also add, that Congress has the Constitutional Authority to order the Court to remain Silent on an issue if they choose.
The doors opened to leave and the Boot came in the early to mid 1970's. I saw it happening in my hometown. Within two years downtown wasn't safe at night. Homelessness and crime skyrocketed overnight. The facility that housed them was finally torn down and politicians are fighting over who's developer buddy will get the prime real-estate. It was a facility that had been in operation with good results for over a century.
By 1985 I was working in a nursing home where the fortunate ones ended up. They were not capable of living even on the streets.
It was cruel was was done in the name of patients rights. It destroyed any hopes of family interventions and getting help yet government is quick to point the finger at family when someone who should not be living outside a secure environment are put on the streets where medications will not be taken or with family who can not control them. A percentage also end up in the suicide by Cop Stats.
Unless s person has signed a medical POA to a friend or family member many states including my own do not allow for family input as far as involuntary committals. If a family member has injuries and needs surgery anyone can sign. If a family member has a nervous breakdown and needs to be hospitalized and has made no advance directives for it then the state must decide. These laws no matter how well intended stink and do far more harm than good for all concerned.
I recall deinstutionalization started under Carter. I think Ken Keasy's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" had a lot to do with moving many to agree to close down the nut houses.