The Senate plenary approved on Wednesday a legislative proposal backing the deinstitutionalization of adults with disabilities, introducing new financial instruments meant to support their independent living in the community.
The bill, initiated by PSD lawmakers Radu Oprea and Florin Manole, passed with 109 votes in favor, two against, and six abstentions.
At its core, the deinstitutionalization process - and the prevention of new institutionalization - affirms the right of adults with disabilities to live independently, to be included in the community on equal terms, and to receive the support needed to exercise this right effectively.
The amendments update existing legislation by creating two financial tools: the housing benefit and the transition benefit, both designed to help adults with disabilities who leave public residential centers or who are at risk of institutionalization. These measures aim to prevent their return to residential care and to maintain them in the community under conditions compatible with the right to independent living.
Both benefits will be funded from the state budget or non-reimbursable external funds, according to the Senate-approved text.
One adopted amendment specifies that "at least 12 months before the estimated date of deinstitutionalization, the adult with disabilities participates in a preparation program for independent living, organized by county child protection directorates or those of Bucharest's sectors, based on the individual plan for independent living and community integration".
The bill's explanatory memorandum notes that adults leaving residential care are typically individuals who have spent long periods in the protection system and lack the material resources and support needed to organize a safe and dignified independent life. Without adequate support, the risks of social exclusion, loss of housing, and re-institutionalization rise significantly.
To ensure these benefits achieve their purpose, lawmakers argue that clear and uniform rules for granting them are essential.
The proposal now moves to the Chamber of Deputies, which holds the final decision.
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