DEINSTITUTIONALIZATION: CHALLENGES FOR POLICY-MAKERS IN LATVIA

Deinstitutionalization (DI) means moving from institutional to community based services. The DI Action Plan with the EU funding has been issued for 2015-2020. Implementation of it has started through seminars, conferences, meetings, involving professional community of the state social care centres, municipal social services and NGO representatives. However, the mental health issues should be tackled not only among professionals but in strong connection with the whole society. Till now institutional care for persons with mental disorders is predominant and has been strongly supported by the society. Limited visibility of people with mental disorders combined with low tolerance level and poor education creates ground for misinformation through media, creating additional tension and fear. Under conditions of scarce resources, it is crucial that efforts of local authorities, existing mental health institutions and educational establishments for children with special needs are joined to ensure effective integration of people with mental disorders into the society by providing necessary training process, which would foster their social inclusion and integration in the labour market. The article is based on an analysis of legislative acts, existing institutional system, statistics and interviews with social workers, experts and representatives of NGO's and local governments.