Cluster 4: Transition from institutions to the community

It is crucial that governments have clear plans to implement the right to independent living in the community for people with mental disabilities. These plans need to shift investment away from financing institutions into developing and sustaining community-based support and living arrangements. This process is known as ‘deinstitutionalisation’, and requires governments to develop clear and comprehensive plans which make the best use of resources available. Indicator 4(A) examines Bulgaria’s policy framework in respect of deinstitutionalisation. Indicator 4(B) looks at the development of models for including people with mental disabilities in the community.