Publications

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

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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Ending the era of institutional care in Europe: Call for Action

June 2017

The Opening Doors for Europe’s Children campaign calls on the EU to reinforce its support for national reforms of the child protection systems, in particular, to promote appropriate allocation and spending of EU funds for deinstitutionalisation reforms and to improve existing regulations, such as the ex-ante conditionality on the transition from institutional to community-based care and implementation of the European Code of Conduct on Partnership.

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“Looking Back, Looking Forward” 2013-2016 Progress Report

December 2016 

The Opening Doors for Europe’s Children progress report reflects on campaign’s achievements towards making a positive difference for hundreds of thousands of children across Europe during Phase I. With larger partnership and extended geography, it describes campaign’s transition into the second phase which is expected to run until the end of 2018.

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Maximising the Use of EU funds – Supporting DI Reforms in Bulgaria: Good and Bad Practices

In April 2016,  the National Network for Children – national coordinator of the “Opening Doors for Europe’s Children” in Bulgaria released good and bad practices on the use of EU funds towards reforms in deinstitutionalization (DI). The document looks at the “Vision for Deinstitutionalisation of Children in Bulgaria” as an example of good practice; it provides an overview of the negative practice on the use of EU funds towards implementing DI in health and social protection sectors, as well as identifies obstacles related to the EU funds spending rules and regulations.

 

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