PROCESS OF DEINSTITUTIONALIZATION OF CHILDREN FROM SPECIAL INSTITUTE IN DEMIR KAPIJA

This paper is a review of the project/processof deinstitutionalization of children fromSpecial institute in Demir Kapija. It is anempiric and longitudinal study of developmentalachievements of children with severemental retardation. We present ourown experiences, without making comparisonwith other experiences in this process.For the last three and a half years, 50 childrenhave been included in the project: 30of them left the institution and now theystay with their families or foster families.The precondition for leaving the institutionis the change of the children’s condition inregard with abilities for independence, obtainingnew habits and experiences.