Panteia Contributes to Important Eurofound Report on Independent Living and Social Inclusion in Europe
Eurofound has recently published a new report on independent living and social inclusion in Europe. The report provides insights into data, policy strategies, and experiences related to the independent living of individuals with care and support needs who temporarily or permanently reside in institutions. Panteia, the national Eurofound correspondent for the Netherlands, contributed data on the Dutch situation to the report.
The report focuses on the process of “deinstitutionalisation”, which involves the transition from institutional to family- and community-based care and services. It examines groups with care or support needs who reside in institutions, including children, adults with disabilities, adults with mental health issues, older people, individuals experiencing homelessness, and survivors of domestic violence who are staying in emergency shelters or similar facilities.
The report reveals that in the Netherlands, the number of children and individuals with disabilities living in residential institutions has slightly increased in recent years. Additionally, the number of psychiatric care beds has also risen. A case study highlights that for individuals experiencing homelessness, transitioning from institutional care to independent living poses significant challenges but is critical for their recovery process, enabling greater stability and peace of mind.
At the EU level, the study finds that the number of people living in residential institutions has increased across several target groups, despite national policies aimed at deinstitutionalisation. The report identifies an “institutional culture” in many residential facilities and shelters, which can include isolation, restrictions on freedom, and a lack of participation in society. Furthermore, it highlights various factors that hinder family- and community-based care, as well as independent living and social inclusion. These include a shortage of affordable and accessible housing, insufficient foster care placements and inadequate public funding.
Interested in the report and its findings? Read the full report here.
