Children across Europe and Central Asia who are at risk of entering, currently in, or are transitioning out of alternative care experience significantly higher rates of mental health problems than their peers. Mental health problems among children and caregivers can drive child–family separation, undermine placement stability, and hinder successful reintegration. These realities underscore a central message of this paper: mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) must be integrated throughout the continuum of care to improve outcomes for children, adolescents and caregivers. Despite widespread recognition of the need for mental health-sensitive services, governments and practitioners have lacked practical guidance on how to operationalize MHPSS across the continuum of care.
This paper, developed by United Nations Children’s Fund Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (UNICEF ECARO), responds to that gap by introducing a mental health and well-being lens to child protection and care reform. It provides conceptual clarity, regional evidence, and actionable guidance for governments and UNICEF Country Offices to integrate promotion-, prevention-, and care-focused MHPSS into policy, service delivery, and workforce practice. It is grounded in a literature review and consultation with 18 UNICEF Country Offices and expert advisors.
Integrating MHPSS across the continuum of care in Europe and Central Asia is essential for high-quality care reform which ensures the rights of the child. A mental health and well-being lens can help to strengthen families and prevent separation, support stable and nurturing family-based alternative care, enable safe and sustainable reintegration, and prepare young people for independent living.
