of conditions in psychiatric hospitals has mainly been directed at social isolation, the widespread lack of self-determination, therapeutic nihilism, lack of space, meaningless daily routine, tranquillisation by medication and objectifying treatment. The goal of such dehospitalisation is to ensure (institutionally) safe living spaces are available outside of psychiatric hospitals for persons with highly individualised behaviour patterns. Nowadays, in psychiatric medicine it is undisputed that de- hospitalisation for individuals with chronic mental illness is an important objective; nevertheless, there is a major deficit in terms of comprehensive provision of inclusive options for living and working. This group of persons tends to stand out through their social behaviour. Persons with mental illnesses or disabilities continue to be particularly affected by marginalisation, discrimination, stigmatisation and homelessness. Even where there are institutional structures of assistance, more efforts need to be made to promote and ensure equal opportunities. In Carinthia, Commission 3 observed many serious deficits in this regard. In remote and allegedly specialised residential facilities for persons with psychiatric diagnoses and addictions there is little attempt at psychosocial support and rehabilitation. Care staff with appropriate qualifications is not available. Most institutions do not assist in the individual’s objectives planing, care plans or individual needs plans. Individuals are not encouraged to participate in the structure of everyday activities, or only to a very rudimentary extent. There are hardly any leisure activities. Only a very few clients are involved in external day structures. There is no structuring of social space. Residents are basically isolated and become increasingly isolated as a result. To date no home agreements with clients have been drawn up. No rehabilitation At all these facilities, costs paid from public funds are contractually stipulated and significantly lower than at other facilities providing assistance to persons with disabilities in Carinthia. Under these basic conditions, social reintegration is impossible. The suggestion that the Land of Carinthia is thereby infringing fundamental obligations to uphold human rights was rejected, and it was drawn to the NPM’s attention that there is a lack of resources. The commissions revealed provisional deficits to the detriment of this group of persons in other Laender as well. Undoubtedly there are operator organisations which are doing good work. Long waiting lists for free places in fully and partially assisted residential homes are an indication of widespread unmet needs regarding support for people undergoing psychiatric crisis after acute treatment at hospitals and in need of help to be able to return to an independent life in a step-bystep manner. 86

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