1. Deinstitutionalization and community-based services: Serbia
Biljana Janjic
Masa Pavlovic
Mental Disability Rights Initiative MDRI-S
PODIUM meeting, 26th May 2016

2. DI process in Serbia: children
Started in 2002, but intensified in 2007
Today: about 900 children in institutions, but 60% are children with disabilities; only 9% of children in family-based care are children with disabilities;
Reliance on foster care (professionalization)
Small group homes
Children in residential institutions are as a rule excluded from the education system
No placement of children 0 to 3 in institutions

3. DI process in Serbia: adults
About 9000 persons in residential (social care) and psychiatric institutions (health care)
15 residential institutions for adults (average 300 clients); 5 special psychiatric hospitals
Deprivation of legal capacity – guardianship (very restrictive legislation and outdated practice)

4. 1. Serbian Association for Promotion of Inclusion
Independent living (23 persons in five flats in Belgrade)
Employment
Free time
Self-advocacy
Building skills, knowledge and supporting others (peer support)
Key elements for self-respect (assessment):
Reinstatement of legal capacity
Self-advocacy group

5. Challenges Access to rights Diversity of local services
Sustainability / funds “do not follow” the person
Quality assurance
Networking

6. 2. Mental health services in the community
Territorial principle
Principle of therapeutic continuity
Individualization of treatment
Introduction of case management
24-hour availability to beneficiaries, and
Intersectoral cooperation
For persons with intensive support need, combined with shelter