Ending Child Institutionalization

The detrimental effects of institutionalization on a child’s well-being are widely documented. Family based care alternatives such as kinship or foster care, are much more effective in providing care and protection for a child, and are sustainable options until family reunification can take place. The use of residential care should be strictly limited to specific cases where it may be necessary to provide temporary, specialized, quality care in a small group setting organized around the rights and needs of the child in a setting as close as possible to a family, and for the shortest possible period of time. The objective of such placement should be to contribute actively to the child’s reintegration with his/her family or, where this is not possible or in the best interests of the child, to secure his/her safe, stable, and nurturing care in an alternative family setting or supported independent living as young people transition to adulthood. 

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World Vision,

Report documenting participatory research conducted on violence against children affected by HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Particular focus on the stigmatisation and discrimination.

Romania National Authority for Child Protection and Adoption,

Minimum standards for day care centers in Romania.

E. Wayne,

Documenting shifting attitudes on adoption in India. Highlights persistent difficulties in national policy reform.

UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre,

Report presents and analyzes new research and data around children with disabilities in the region, the effects of institutional care, and the need for family support services.

David Larter and Eugenia Veverita,

Reports on the financial costs of residential care for children in the Republic of Moldova. Highlights significant financial inefficiencies and advocates for closure of residential institutions.

Save the Children Sri Lanka and Save the Children Canada,

A situation analysis of children in institutional care that includes policy implications and key recommendations.

Bragi Gudbrandsson, Working Group on Children at Risk in Care, Council of Europe,

A comparative analysis of protection and care systems across Europe, focusing on the use of institutions, alternative forms of care placements, family support services, and the role of social workers in the process of child placement.

Devi Dee,

An informal evaluation of an NGO residential institution in Zimbabwe, based on the opinions of the child residents. Includes recommendations for the improvement of residential care.

Bragi Gudbrandsson,

This report contains an overview of alternative care in Europe, the effects of institutions on children, statistical information and the different approaches of child protection systems within Europe. It includes reforming institutional care, foster care, post-care support, and the role of the social worker.

UNAIDS, UNICEF and USAID,

This report examines the current state of orphans and vulnerable children. It provides a regional overview, highlights trends, urges support for alternatives to institutional care and child participation, and presents a framework of protection and care of orphans and vulnerable children. Includes comprehensive data appendices.