Latvia, Legislation, Society

Jansons believes that the management and personnel of social care centers should undergo immediate training on the main purpose of social rehabilitation to ensure not only care, but also social rehabilitation so that clients can regain their social status and reintegrate with society as soon as possible. He also calls for developing alternative social care services in the next two to three years – halfway houses, group homes and care facilities.

The ombudsman explains that social services currently do not meet the needs of people with mental disabilities and adds that alternative services are accessible only to a small number of people. Therefore many with mental disabilities are forced to choose long-term social care and rehabilitation institutions. "Many in social care centers would be able to live in society with proper support in their places of residence, emphasizes Jansons.

The report states that it is the state's duty to ensure adequate funds to grant persons with mental disabilities the possibility of exercising their rights to freely choose places of residence by ensuring various support measures for everyday life and creating an opportunity for reintegration with society.