SUPPORTING PARENTS IN EUROPE

EU

COUNCIL OF EUROPE

SOME BACKGROUND

Increasing interest in child and family policy Due to: Recognition of the connectedness of social

and economic (policy) issues and of need for policy in this area

Demographic challenges Significance of the UNCRC

EU level

2 focuses: children’s rights, child poverty Rights Children made rights’ holders in EU Charter of Fundamental

Human Rights (2000) July 2006 – Towards an EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child - address urgent needs (child helpline/hotline, combat use of

credit card for internet pornography purchase, reduce child poverty, emphasise children in development co-operation);

- other objectives/plans: ‘mainstream’ children’s rights when drafting EC legislation, set up a European Forum for the Rights of the Child, involve children in decision making, appoint a co-ordinator for the rights of the child, design a communication strategy on children’s rights

EU continued

Child Poverty A focus for member states’ National Reports

on Strategies for Social Protection and Social Inclusion

Results thus far: Heightened status of child poverty, especially

early education and care, balanced policy mix.

However: few targets, children not participants and rights approach not followed

Council of Europe – Positive Parenting

UNCRC on parenting role/obligations - provide appropriate guidance and direction

(in a non-violent manner) - provide living conditions for child - enable the child to be heard Obligations on the State Act as guarantor of children’s rights Enable/promote them

Significance

Shifts emphasis from parental authority to parental responsibility

The two-way nature of parenting is recognised

Implies that parenting needs to be resourced

Key Elements of Positive Parenting

Positive parenting = promoting the development of positive parent-child relationships and optimising the child’s development potential

Emphasises the way of parenting: Nurturing Providing structure Providing recognition Being empowering

Role for Policy

RoleCreate the conditions for positive

parenting Remove barriersPromote positive parenting

Substance of Policies

Support for all parents:

- formal, semi-formal and informal support

- promoting education on children’s rights and positive parenting

Targeting on parents at risk (of social exclusion)

Guidelines for professionals