Over 450,000 children in Europe and Central Asia are currently residing in various forms of institutional care. This eye-opening revelation from UNICEF’s latest report, “Pathways to Better Protection,” prompts a critical reevaluation of the region’s approach to child welfare. Let’s delve into the key findings and explore the urgent need for change.
THE MAGNITUDE: 450,000 CHILDREN AND COUNTING
The numbers speak volumes – a staggering 456,000 children across Europe and Central Asia find themselves living in residential care facilities, including large-scale institutions. This statistic not only raises eyebrows but also serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by these vulnerable young lives.
DOUBLE THE GLOBAL AVERAGE: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED
A startling revelation emerges – the rate of children in residential care facilities across Europe and Central Asia is double the global average. With 232 children per 100,000 living in such facilities, compared to the global rate of 105 per 100,000, the need for urgent action becomes undeniable.
WESTERN EUROPE’S PREDICAMENT: BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS
Western Europe
stands out with the highest rate of children in residential care facilities – a significant 294 per 100,000 children. While these facilities are often smaller and integrated into communities, a closer look reveals an overreliance on residential care rather than family-based alternatives.
POSITIVE TRENDS: A GLIMMER OF HOPE
Amidst the concerning statistics, there is a silver lining. Since 2010, several countries have witnessed a decrease in the proportion of children in residential care facilities. Bulgaria, Moldova, and Georgia exemplify this positive trend, attributing their success to deinstitutionalization policies and substantial investments in family-based care.
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES: LEFT BEHIND
Despite overall progress, there’s a harsh reality for children with disabilities – they continue to be disproportionately placed in residential care facilities. Shockingly, data from various countries reveal that children with disabilities constitute a significant percentage of those in such facilities. What measures are necessary to address this glaring disparity?
THE IMPACT: BEYOND STATISTICS
The negative consequences of family separation and institutionalization on children’s well-being are well-documented. Emotional neglect, increased rates of abuse, and exploitation paint a grim picture.
CALL TO ACTION: CLOSING THE CHAPTER ON LARGE-SCALE INSTITUTIONS
Aligned with international conventions and guidelines, UNICEF advocates for the systematic closure of large-scale institutions. The focus is on replacing these facilities with high-quality family- and community-based care, ensuring the holistic development of children with disabilities or those who are unaccompanied and separated.
INVESTMENTS FOR TRANSFORMATION: A HOLISTIC APPROACH
Real change requires more than rhetoric. UNICEF calls for substantial investments in early identification and intervention, a robust social service workforce, family support services to prevent unnecessary separation, and the promotion of quality foster care.
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS: UNICEF’S REGIONAL INITIATIVES
UNICEF is on the frontline, collaborating with governments and partners across the region to promote family- and community-based care. From developing and implementing deinstitutionalization policies to scaling up protection and family support services, UNICEF aims to ensure a seamless transition for children from institutional care to independent living.
Breaking Chains, Building Futures
As we navigate through the complexities of institutional care in Europe and Central Asia, it becomes evident that transformative change is both necessary and achievable. UNICEF’s unwavering commitment to breaking the chains of institutionalization paves the way for a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive in a loving and supportive environment.
AT HOME OR IN HOME
UNICEF last issued a comprehensive regional report on the situation of children in alternative care and adoption in 2010 with ‘At home or in a home’, a report which was focused on the countries of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. Since then, a draft statistical manual, including a core set of child protection indicators, was developed based on a comprehensive desk review, indicator testing, and regional consultation. The statistical manual includes a revised set of TransMonEE child protection indicators and was discussed and agreed upon at a TransMonEE meeting in 2019. This report aims to follow up on the 2010 report and update the understanding of the situation, using data gathered in line with the revised statistical manual, while also reflecting on challenges relating to indicators and data on children in alternative care and ways that they can be addressed.
