On 20 November, a European expert group launched Common European Guidelines on the Transition from Institutional to Community-based care. The expert group consisted of a group of representatives of key European networks, people with disabilities and social service providers. The guidelines provide guidance on implementing and supporting a sustained transition to community-based care using European and international best practice examples.
Human rights concerns over living conditions and treatment have always surrounded institutionalisation. At present, approximately one million adults and children live in institutions across Europe. Deinstitutionalisation has come to the fore in recent years following the European Union’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Article 19 of the Convention in particular advocates independent and community living.
The CRPD does not define community living and as such difficulties and inconsistencies may be encountered in the strategies employed by various countries in effecting deinstitutionalisation. For example, this year the Hungarian Parliament accepted a development programme, aimed at implementing deinstitutionalisation, which included provision for a flat or block of buildings for up to 50 people. This is arguably merely institutionalisation in a different setting.
The Guidelines should offer policy and decision makers clear supports in making the transformation from institutionalisation to community living and community care.
Click here to read the guidelines in full.
Click here to read a press release from the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL).