The administration shifts in the United States of America led to shifts in the mental health system. The varied positions regarding the levels of federal funding and state funding designated for the mental system resulted in a lack of a comprehensive follow-through of community mental health services during deinstitutionalization. The deinstitutionalization outcomes include a disproportionate level of people with a serious mental illness who are homeless and a disproportionate level of people with a serious mental illness who are incarcerated. Longitudinal research utilizing magnetic resonance imaging of the brain conducted in the past decade has demonstrated that the majority of people with a serious mental illness can have structural changes to the brain as a result of periods of active symptoms. The structural changes include atrophy in areas related to the processing of emotions. Serious mental illnesses can become worse without consistent care. The conclusion of the longitudinal research entails the concept that the prevention of decompensation is paramount for people with a serious mental illness. Research has also demonstrated that adverse life experiences and trauma can trigger periods of active symptoms. There is evidence of the ability of current service models to reduce homelessness and incarceration along with their triggering adverse experiences.