A Children Home is Not a Real HomeMARIELA NEAGU

STATE SECRETARY

NATIONAL AUTHORITY FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILD’S RIGHTS

ROMANIA

BULGARIA

JULY 2007

TOPICS

• Ways to influence attitudes and values related to child rights and the family role

• Residential institutions role before reform

• Constraints on recognition and financing of the former institution as a new system

IN THE PAST

• Only big residential institutions

• Subject to criticism

• 85000 children in residential care

• Most of them in contact with their families

START OF THE REFORM

• 1998, alternative services created through World Bank loan

• 2000, set-up of other services to close old style institutions through EU financial assistance

REFORM PROCESS

Child protection policy focused on:

• Support of natural families

• Protection in the family type alternatives

COUNTY COUNCILS STRATEGIES

Closure of the large residential institutions through:• Reintegration into the natural or extended family • Foster care • Family type homes with 5-10 children

IN PRESENT

• 73 000 children – 20,000 children in foster care– 26,000 children in residential care

(5500 children in family type homes)– 27000 supported in natural or extended family

• 19 institutions with 100-150 children

• 1 institutions with 218 children

A Children Home is Not a Real Home

The first large public awareness campaign

Implemented through the EU program:

• 7 TV and radio spots

• TV programs, meetings and other events during 2 years (2001-2003).

NEW LEGISLATION

Adopted in June 2004, in force from January 2005.

Romania has proved her commitment towards her children

It proved the courage to protect the children’s rights in a better environment