This 1974 memorandum from Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services outlines the early planning work needed to transition individuals from large state institutions into community-based programs. The memo describes the department’s goal of determining which clients could benefit from community services, identifying the kinds of programs that would need to be developed, and gathering data to support a statewide plan for deinstitutionalization affecting people with developmental disabilities, mental health needs, and youth involved in the justice system (page 1) . It emphasizes collaboration with advisory committees, community agencies, and program leaders to shape criteria and strategies for moving responsibility and services into less restrictive, community-based settings.

The document also details a phased work plan that includes analyzing institutional population trends, studying discharge criteria, assessing the impact of new laws, mapping existing community services, and projecting program capacity and costs (pages 3–5) . These tasks were designed to help the state evaluate whether institutions could be decentralized, what community services would be required, and what resources were necessary to support a long-term shift away from institutional care. The memo reflects an early, structured effort to redesign Washington’s service system and expand opportunities for people to receive treatment and support in their home communities.