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Description
The aim of the project is to provide equal access to justice for people with mental disabilities, thus reducing public prejudice and improving opportunities to integrate into the local community. The goal of the project will be achieved by:
1) Providing free legal aid to at least 160 persons with mental disabilities and 80 relatives or representatives of various institutions, as well as providing support in strategic litigation. The analysis of legal consultations will provide an opportunity to prepare a report concerning the main problems faced by persons with mental disabilities;
2) Preparing a handbook for law enforcement representatives on reasonable accommodation for persons with mental disabilities, thus ensuring an effective rights protection mechanism, including access to the court system;
3) Conducting a research on the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the local community, while moving to independent life after leaving a long-term social care institution;
4) Developing and piloting a training program, aimed to improve the understanding and knowledge of the various local service providers (at least 60 participants) regarding providing services to people with mental disabilities, thus mobilizing local communities to support people living with mental disabilities on the municipal level.
As a result of the project, persons with mental disabilities involved in the project activities will be more informed about the possibilities of protection of their rights, as well as will improve their ability to protect their interests. This will promote self-determination and self-advocacy of people and enhance their participation in society. Improving the knowledge of the various local service providers, as well as the representatives of the law enforcement system about working with adults with mental disabilities, will ensure the availability of various services, including the access to the court system, and prevent the possible human rights violations.
Summary of project results
The project promoter identified several challenges before initiating the ACF project, which they aimed to address. These were:
Recognition of legal capacity and decision-making support:
It was recognized that persons with mental disabilities faced restrictions on their legal capacity, despite provisions in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Although efforts were made in Latvia since 2017 to introduce decision-making support services, discriminatory legal provisions persisted. Significant challenges included the reluctance of policymakers to adopt innovative support models due to financial constraints and resistance to replacing capacity restrictions with supported decision-making mechanisms.Independent living in the community:
The deinstitutionalization (DI) process, initiated in 2015, aimed to enable persons with mental disabilities to live independently outside institutions. However, systemic issues remained, such as the absence of a plan to phase out institutional care entirely. The availability of community-based services was fragmented, inconsistent across municipalities, and insufficient to meet individual needs. Despite efforts to establish group homes, demand exceeded supply, and support services for those with severe disabilities remained inadequate.Societal attitudes:Negative societal attitudes towards persons with mental disabilities were identified as a major barrier. Public opinion surveys showed slow progress in reducing stereotypes and stigma. The need to foster acceptance and understanding through targeted efforts, particularly among general service providers, was highlighted as essential for enabling full community integration.
Access to legal remedies:Limited access to legal remedies for persons with mental disabilities was identified. Although state-provided legal aid had been expanded, eligibility criteria often excluded those in need. Additionally, professionals in the legal and judicial systems lacked training on reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, necessitating the development of practical guidelines.
These challenges underscored the need for comprehensive reforms, including legal adjustments, societal attitude shifts, and the development of inclusive support systems to ensure the rights and dignity of persons with mental disabilities.
Research on inclusion of persons with mental disabilities in the community after living in institutions
This study explored the experience of individuals with mental disabilities transitioning from long-term care institutions to community living. It identified key challenges such as inadequate preparation for deinstitutionalization, delayed provision of social mentors, and limited integration into local communities. Findings revealed that individuals often experienced loneliness and that group homes sometimes replicated institutional settings. The study emphasized the need for better life-planning skills, financial literacy, employment opportunities, and inter-agency collaboration. The research was shared with government bodies and service providers to guide improvements in community-based services and support networks, ensuring successful reintegration.Special training program for service providers
A training program was developed to enhance the knowledge and skills of general service providers working with individuals with mental disabilities. The program was piloted in three municipalities and targeted workers from libraries, post offices, stores, and other service centers. Participants learned about the needs of persons with mental disabilities, values, communication methods, and reasonable accommodations. This initiative aimed to foster better understanding and more inclusive service provision, supporting the social integration of individuals with disabilities.Handbook for justice system employees on reasonable accommodations
A handbook was created to improve the understanding of reasonable accommodations within the justice system for persons with mental disabilities. It provided guidelines on accessible communication, physical accessibility, and adjustments during legal processes, such as timing, breaks, and support from trusted persons. The handbook is intended for training current and future employees of the justice system and will be shared with institutions like the State Police College.Legal assistance system for persons with mental disabilities
Free legal assistance was provided to individuals with mental disabilities, their families, and institutional representatives. Issues addressed included legal capacity restrictions and reviews (41 cases) and social protection or adequate living standards (24 cases). The activity highlighted the inadequacies of the state-funded legal aid system, emphasizing the need for intermediaries to bridge the gap between legal aid providers and recipients. Data from the consultations will inform further advocacy and strategic litigation to improve the legal system''s accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Free legal assistance
The project provided free legal assistance to individuals with mental disabilities, their families, and institutional representatives, even during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Short-term outcomes included resolving individual legal issues, while long-term impacts included influencing the state''s approach to supporting parents with mental disabilities and advocating for systemic improvements.Research on community living experiences
The study assessed the experiences of 30 individuals with mental disabilities transitioning from institutions to community living. It highlighted the importance of supporting community integration and provided critical data reflecting the perspectives of people with disabilities, which were previously underrepresented. These findings informed further advocacy efforts and discussions with responsible institutions to establish stronger support networks.Handbook for justice system employees
A handbook on reasonable accommodations for persons with mental disabilities was prepared as a training tool for justice system employees. It addressed gaps in accessibility and understanding within the system, providing practical guidelines for ensuring equal participation in legal processes. Interest in this resource was high, and training seminars for at least 100 justice system employees were planned. Additionally, the State Police College requested tailored training for police officers.Training program for service providers
A training program was developed and piloted in three municipalities to educate general service providers about the needs and rights of individuals with mental disabilities. Participants gained knowledge about communication skills, reasonable accommodations, and inclusive practices. Feedback indicated significant changes in attitudes toward individuals with disabilities, showing that the training had a meaningful impact. The program strengthened local communities'' ability to act as support networks for people with disabilities.Advocacy and legal reforms
Significant changes were achieved in legal frameworks. Amendments to the Criminal Law introduced the right for individuals with mental disabilities to have a trusted person accompany them during legal proceedings. After a decade of advocacy, the concept of a support person for decision-making was finally established in law, with the organization beginning to provide this service.Strengthening community-based services
The materials and training developed during the project contributed to better knowledge and understanding among service providers and justice system employees, fostering more inclusive practices. The project''s training programs laid the foundation for ongoing efforts to improve community-based services and integrate individuals with mental disabilities into society.