Resources

Lessons Learned and Recommendations to Strengthen Families and End Institutionalisation for Children in Europe

The transition from institutional to family- and community-based care has received growing support from the European Union and its Member States. On one hand, the EU has been issuing policy guidance and allocating significant amounts of EU funds while, on the other hand, countries across Europe are increasingly adopting strategies or action plans to shift away from institutions. More and better family-based care options are available for children unable to grow up with their families of origin.

Since 2013, we have joined forces under the Opening Doors for Europe’s Children campaign to influence and monitor these developments at national and European level, using our expertise from the ground.

Read our final report

2018 Country Factsheets

The 2018 country factsheets provide an update about the progress with the transition from institutional to family- and community-based care (also known as deinstitutionalisation). The new generation of country snapshots covers 12 EU Member States, 2 EU pre-accession and 2 EU neighbouring countries.

Through recommendations addressed to the European Union and national governments, the campaign bridges evidence with further actions to ensure sustainability of reforms, effective use of funds and better outcomes for children.

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Strengthening Families, Ending Institutional Care: Recommendations to the European Union on post-2020 Multi-Annual Financial Framework

The negotiations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework present a unique opportunity for the EU to champion the transition from institutional to family and community-based care as a human rights cause. The role of the EU in the next programming period will be crucial for the national governments to follow through on their commitments and to ensure that children grow up in inclusive, prosperous societies. Read  Opening Doors for Europe’s Children recommendations to the EU on post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework.

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2017 Country Factsheets

The 2017 country factsheets provide an update on the status of child protection and care reforms from 16 European countries that are the focus of Opening Doors for Europe’s Children campaign in Phase II. The evidence focuses on policies that regulate deinstitutionalisation and prevention of child abandonment; engagement of civil society; existing know-hows; access to community-based services, and use of EU funds. Through recommendations addressed to the European Union and national governments, the campaign bridges evidence with further actions to ensure sustainability of reforms, effective use of funds and better outcomes for children.

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