Dignity and Independent living The conference took place in Tallinn on 12-13 October and focussed on advancing discussions to accelerate transition from institution-based services to community-based services in the EU Member States. The aim of the conference is also to propose new approaches to the development of the concept and financing of DI and promotion of human rights respectively, and to support the development of the EU-wide framework of participatory social welfare policies. The conference is also expected to provide input to the draft Council Conclusions on DI to be presented for adoption by EPSCO in December 2017.

ESF Presidency Conference 2017 -review of where we stand with the process of transforming services offering institutional care to alternative forms of care for a variety of groups such as children, people with disabilities and mental illnesses, older people, Roma communities, ex- offenders, refugees (DI process) - propose initiatives for the continuation and improvement of the process.   The aim aim of the DI process is to move towards a policy that favours personalisation of services and self-determination. “guiding principle” is Article 19 of the UNCRPD which applies to all groups targeted by the DI process and our work should be based upon the premise that people should not be removed out of the community Solutions at EU level entail the continuation of the use of ESF support in line with the relevant ex ante conditionality and strengthened monitoring and partnership, as well as the extension of the ex ante conditionality to other funds such as EFSI. Specific indicators should be developed on the basis of the work of FRA( released on the occasion of the DI conference). The adoption of a Communication on DI should be envisaged to complement the ESIF legislative framework.   At national level, funds should be redirected to the new types of personalised services and not to initiatives that have perverse effects on the DI process. Needs assessment should be accompanied by the assessment of what the users need. Innovation and mainstreaming of inclusion across policies are key for the DI process. As regards employment opportunities, supported employment is the model to be favoured as it allows people to get on the jobs that fit their profile and who are then trained to acquire skills. Quality of jobs, ie adequate pay and decent working conditions, and accessibility are key for inclusion in labour market and society.

EPSCO Conclusions The European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) make an important contribution to the implementation of reforms. They support the social economy and ensure the more effective delivery of policies. The programming period 2014–2020 offers an exceptional opportunity to promote a more focused use of the European Social Fund…..for supporting the transition from institutional to community-based care under the thematic objective of promoting social inclusion and combatting poverty. In this context, several Member States have programmed respective policy alternatives under the most relevant investment priorities; Draft conclusions on Enhancing Community –based Support and Care for independent living. Discussed at the Social questions working party – to be adopted by EPSCO in December