KMOP has released a comprehensive study that examines the current landscape of community and family-based approaches across seven European regions. The study provides one of the first comparative overviews of the policies, practices, and challenges shaping Europe’s transition from institutional to community-based care.
A Mixed Picture: Commitment exists, but implementation lags
While all participating regions—Latvia, Spain, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Greece, and Montenegro—express strong policy commitments to deinstitutionalisation, the study reveals a persistent gap between ambition and actual practice. Institutional care still absorbs the majority of resources, and workforce shortages remain a major structural barrier to progress.
Despite these challenges, promising developments are taking root. For instance, Latvia’s Zemgale region is piloting digital mental health tools, while Poland’s Malopolska region is promoting mobile care services for persons with disabilities. These efforts signal a shift toward more person-centred, locally anchored support systems.
What the data shows
Across regions, the study identifies key obstacles that continue to hinder the transition:
- Limited domestic funding to support long-term reforms
- Fragmented governance and lack of coordinated policy frameworks
- Workforce capacity gaps and limited specialised training
- Insufficient data systems and quality standards to monitor progress of care services
At the same time, the mapping highlights inspiring practices—localised and neighbourhood-based care models, digital adaptation practices and new partnerships between regional and municipal authorities—that demonstrate what effective community and family-based care can look like.
What is needed for sustainable change
The study concludes that meaningful and lasting transition requires:
- Aligning governance across national, regional, and local levels to avoid fragmentation.
- Securing stable, long-term financing that shifts investment from institutions to community services.
- Investing in workforce development to close skill gaps and support informal carers.
- Establishing strong legal and monitoring frameworks to guarantee dignified, person-centred care for all.
By analysing the current landscape of care provision across European regions, KMOP seeks to develop evidence-based policy recommendations and practical improvements that highlight the value and transformative potential of community and family-based care.
Read the full report here
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