Roadmap for next steps in deinstitutionalization in mental health service delivery in Bulgaria

A conference to outline the next steps in deinstitutionalization in mental health service delivery in Bulgaria will take place 7-8 October 2011, in Sofia. This event is being held to follow-up a national conference held in December 2010, entitled "Hospital services and community approaches in the modern psychiatric care".

The conference will be attended by official representatives of the Ministry of Health of Bulgaria, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the State Agency for Social Assistance, managers from mental health centres, psychiatric hospitals, day-care centres and protected homes. 

Based on the outputs of the national conference held in December 2010, a broad discussion with the hospital managers and decision makers will be raised, regarding the next steps of the deinstitutionalization of psychiatric services and the creation of alternative services in the community. The goal is to find a common understanding of the next steps in order to prepare a roadmap for future efforts, investments and activities. Analysis of the follow-up processes after the signing of the Declaration during the last conference will also be made. Principles for intersection collaboration in the mental health care will also be set up.