What we do
We want to end the systematic institutionalisation of children across Europe. We want to see children living in safe, caring environments. We believe this should be the case for all children, whether they’re disabled, from an ethnic minority or from an impoverished background.
We know our vision is ambitious. We understand that removing children from institutions isn’t – in itself – enough. We must work with governments, policy makers and practitioners to enable children to grow up in a family-type setting.
We do this in two ways.
By being practical and strategic
We have begun pilot initiatives in the Czech Republic and Moldova.
We also provide technical assistance to initiatives in other countries that are led by other agencies.
And we provide a range of professional resources – a telephone support service, toolkits, manuals – to practitioners working in countries to help them close down institutions, and replace them with high quality care.
By campaigning and advocating
We provide expert advice at the highest level – at the UN, the European Commission: for example, we advise the European Commission’s ad hoc group on deinstitutionalisation.
We facilitate peer-to-peer support, bringing together practitioners on the ground with practitioners in the UK to help give children childhoods.
We work with children so they have a voice and are involved in the deinstitutionalisation process.
We raise awareness, in the UK, in Europe and across the globe, so that, one day, children won’t be locked away: so they can enjoy their childhood.
