People increasingly seek care with once - institutionalized relatives . Most sent to care had some form of developmental disability . In 1967 , as many as 500 children were housed in 162 state facilities in U.S . Advocacy : The government creates online website , search engine , to organize reunions .
People increasingly seek reunions with once-institutionalized relatives . Most sent to institutions had some form of developmental disability . In 1967 , as many as 100,000 children were housed in 162 state facilities in U.S . Advocacy group The Arc creates online registry , search service , to help reunions .