Bulgaria Adoption

World Without Orphans

Since joining the European Union in 2007, Bulgaria has sought to make changes in its child welfare system for children raised in care institutions around the country. According to UNICEF, in 2021 there were 10,000 children living in alternative care in Bulgaria - most of them were ethnic Roma or children with disabilities. This is the story of how Bulgaria Without Orphans has played a role in Bulgaria's care reform.

Family First for Children Without Parental Care (FAFICA) 2024 Regional and Global Initiatives to Safeguard Every Child’s Right to Family Care and Protection

Family First for Children Without Parental Care (FAFICA)

In this webinar, the Africa Working Group on Children Without Parental Care now called Family First for Children Without Parental Care, (FAFICA), explores key global debates and initiatives advancing care reform, including updates from the African Union and global events like the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children.

Позиція щодо реформи системи догляду та підтримки дітей, у тому числі розвитку програм підтримки дітей-сиріт і дітей, позбавлених батьківського піклування (осіб з їх числа)

Joint document with Individuals who have experienced institutional care, as well as those who have experience with family-based care

В Україні вперше особи, які перебували в інституційних установах, а також ті, хто має досвід сімейного догляду, об’єдналися та узгодили спільну позицію щодо реформування системи догляду та підтримки дітей, у тому числі розвитку програм підтримки дітей-сиріт та дітей, позбавлених батьківського піклування.

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حالة أطفال العالم لعام 2024 مستقبل الطفولة في عالم متغيّر

UNICEF

يتناول هذا التقرير ثلاث قوى عالمية قوية وطويلة الأمد (أو اتجاهات كبرى) ستترك أثراً عميقاً على حياة الأطفال من الآن حتى عام 2050، وهي: التحولات الديموغرافية، وأزمات المناخ والبيئة، والتقانات الرائدة. وبفهم هذه الاتجاهات وتداعياتها على الأطفال، يمكننا أن ندرك بشكل أفضل التحديات والفرص التي تنتظرنا.

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Estado Mundial de la Infancia 2024: El futuro de la infancia en un mundo en transformación (Resumen ejecutivo)

UNICEF

El informe examina tres megatendencias o grandes fenómenos mundiales y a largo plazo que tendrán importantes efectos sobre las vidas de los niños y niñas de aquí a 2050: los cambios demográficos, las crisis climáticas y medioambientales y las tecnologías de vanguardia. Si entendemos estas tendencias y lo que implican para la infancia, comprenderemos mejor los retos y las oportunidades que se nos pueden presentar.

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La Situation des enfants dans le monde 2024: L’avenir de l’enfance dans un monde en mutation (Résumé analytique)

UNICEF

Pour ce faire, ce rapport examine trois grandes tendances, à savoir trois forces puissantes qui s’inscrivent dans la durée à l’échelle mondiale et qui auront de profondes répercussions sur la vie des enfants entre aujourd’hui et 2050: les changements démographiques, la crise climatique et environnementale et les technologies d’avant-garde.

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The State of the World’s Children 2024: The Future of Childhood in a Changing World (Full Report)

UNICEF

The report explores three megatrends that will profoundly impact children’s lives between now and the 2050s: demographic shifts, the climate and environmental crises and frontier technologies. It also presents three future scenarios – possible outcomes, not predictions – for how children could experience the world of 2050.

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Prospects for Children in 2025: Building Resilient Systems for Children’s Futures - A Global Outlook

Jasmina Byrne, Gary Risser, Melvin Bretón Guerrero, Christina Colón, Manasi Nanavati, Camila Teixeira, Andaleeb Alam, Alun Rhydderch

Prospects for Children in 2025: Building Resilient Systems for Children’s Futures is the latest edition of the Global Outlook, a series of reports produced each year by UNICEF Innocenti – Global Office of Research and Foresight, which look to the key trends affecting children and young people over the following 12 months and beyond.

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Position on the Reform of the Child Care and Support System, Including the Development of Support Programs for Orphans and Children Deprived of Parental Care (and Individuals from Among Them)

Joint document with Individuals who have experienced institutional care, as well as those who have experience with family-based care

In Ukraine, for the first time, individuals who have experienced institutional care, as well as those who have experience with family-based care, have united and agreed upon a common position regarding the reform of the child care and support system, including the development of programs to support orphaned children and children deprived of parental care.

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The Philippines: Towards Inclusive Care - Assessing and Enhancing Alternative Care Opportunities for Children with Disabilities

International Social Service Australia

The main objective of this assessment and report is to gain knowledge about children with disabilities without family support, or at risk of being so, and the alternative care arrangements available for these children in the Philippines. In addition, whether there is scope for improvement of alternative care measures in the Philippines in line with international standards.

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What Is Life Story Work? How Defining Approaches Can Bring Clarity to Research, Training, and Practice

Laura Neal, Kimberley Matthews

In this article, the authors explore the potential benefits of Life Story Work (LSW) to care-experienced young people and the barriers to research, training, and practice, and suggest that clearly defined approaches could provide clarity for carers, practitioners and researchers.

Meeting the Challenges of Participation? Care Experienced People’s Involvement In Social Work Practice and Policy Development

Katie Ellis, Robin Sen

This paper considers attempts to influence practice and policy from the perspectives of 15 care experienced people who had been involved in substantive public campaign work relating to children in state care and care leavers in Scotland and England. Participants shared their experiences of working to influence change and highlighted good and bad practice that they had encountered working with different individuals and organisations claiming to promote the views of those with lived experience.

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How Is Therapeutic Residential Care Constructed Within Key Policy Documents?

Lynne McPherson, Antonia Canosa, Kathomi Gatwiri, Donnah Anderson, Kylie Day, Robbie Gilligan, Anne Graham, Janise Mitchell, Tim Moore7 | Meaghan Vosz

This paper reports on a national policy analysis in Australia exploring how therapeutic residential care (TRC) is constructed in policy documents. One hundred and thirty-two relevant policy documents were analysed to identify the practices and the conditions that facilitate the development of relationships and connections.

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Cognitive Abilities in the Learning of Children in Residential Care: Toward the Development of Their Potential

This study sought to identify, describe, and correlate cognitive learning abilities among a group of 34 male children, aged 9–13, residing in care facilities in Mexico. This model represents a pioneering strategy in Mexico, aiming to enhance cognitive abilities by leveraging strengths and adopting a perspective grounded in human rights, inclusion, and interculturality.

Identifying the Challenges in the Detection and Protection of Child Victims of Human Trafficking in Spain: A Case Study of the Southern European Border

Raquel Verdasco Martínez, Olaya García-Vázquez, Cecilia Estrada Villaseñor, Adam Dubin

Analyzing 23 interviews with professionals in the field, this article identifies the factors that contribute to high levels of child trafficking in Spain.

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Double Jeopardy? China’s Minority Migrant Children In Comparative Perspective

Using data from the 2016 China Migrants Dynamic Survey and drawing on the theories of family migration, push-pull forces, and social capital, the authors compare migration patterns of minority and Han children in China. Results show minority children have a higher probability of joining migrant parents than Han children. However, this may not necessarily lead to more desirable outcomes.

Residential Care Settings for Children In the Philippines: Examining their Transnational and Neocolonial Characteristics and the Implications for Children’s Social Welfare

Steven Roche, Carmela Otarra, Catherine Flynn, Philip Mendes

This article investigates the contemporary transnational and neocolonial characteristics of children’s welfare in the Philippines, drawing on the perspectives of young people in residential care settings as well as the views of programme and policy actors embedded across child protection systems.

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Working With Traumatised Children During Traumatic Times: Residential Child Care Educators' Compassion Fatigue and Work Engagement

Marzia Saglietti, Matteo Alpini, Cristina Zucchermaglio

Drawing from an Italian study conducted in residential care for children, the authors aim to investigate residential childcare educators' levels of compassion fatigue and work engagement, and to focus on the individual, work and organisational conditions associated.

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Characteristics and Views of Young Unaccompanied Migrants Transitioning to Independent Living in the Catalan (Spain) Protection System

Clara Sanz-Escutia, Laura Arnau-Sabatés, Josefina Sala-Roca

This article analyzes the experience of unaccompanied young migrants in the protection system of Catalonia (Spain) and their preparation for the transition to independent living. A survey with 90 unaccompanied migrant youths who were about to leave care was conducted.

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Labour Migration and Mental Health of Left-Behind Children In Georgia: A Mixed Methods Study

K Antia, J Račaitė, G Šurkienė, V Winkler

Global migration is on the rise, and as a result, millions of children are left in their home countries while their parents migrate abroad. Little is known about the mental health of left-behind children (LBC) in Eastern Europe. The study addresses this research gap in Georgia, a leading migrant-sending country in the region.

Exploring Risk and Resilience In School Environments for Students In Kinship Care

Julia Clements, Susan Birch

This study explores risk and resilience in UK school environments for students in kinship care. Eight professionals experienced in working with students in kinship care and their schools took part in individual, semi-structured interviews. Interviews focussed on kinship students’ needs and how professionals perceive schools respond to those needs.

What is Known About the Numbers, Experiences and Outcomes of Young People Transitioning from Out-of-home Care in Indonesia?

Rangga Radityaputra, Philip Mendes, Susan Baidawi

Using existing grey government and nongovernment literature and reports, this policy briefing critically examines what is known about the numbers, experiences and outcomes of young people transitioning from Out-of-Home-Care in Indonesia.

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How Can Health Practitioners Support Children and Young People In Social Care?

S Saxena

The author of this article is a practising GP with 25 years of experience of inner-city primary care and a global expert on primary care of children and she presents dilemmas posed in clinical settings for health practitioners and professionals working in a broad range of areas including public health, education settings and social care to help reduce health inequality faced by young people growing up in the UK care system.

What Long-Term Health Outcomes Can We Anticipate for Children Who Have Been In Social Care?

Viviane S. Straatmann

This global study explores the intricate web of disadvantages preceding children’s entry into social care, shedding light on the complex interplay between early-life adversity, cumulative disadvantage, and long-term health outcomes and the ways in which intergenerational studies can inform strategies for breaking the cycle of disadvantage.

Opportunities of Care at What Cost: Findings from a Qualitative Study Exploring Care Leavers Experiences of Residential Care Homes for Children in Thailand

Heather Askew, Justin Rogers

This article seeks to learn more about the experiences and perspectives of those who spent their childhoods in institutional care in Thailand and how they compare with international research on this topic.

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Kinship Care: Birth Mothers’ Experiences of Having Children in Kinship Care

Pause

This paper highlights the experiences of birth mothers who have children placed in kinship care in the UK, focusing on some of the specific challenges they face. For many kinship families, these issues are also felt by the kinship carer. The paper sets out the need to do more to support kinship families - children, kinship carers and birth parents - to ensure children can thrive in safe, stable and loving homes.

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Policy Recommendation Report: Alignment with the UNCRPD in Sri Lankan Child Protection

Noriko Hatanaka, Children's Emergency Relief International (CERI)

This document produced by CERI presents the outcomes of an informative assessment and stakeholder interviews focused on the rights of children with disabilities (CWD) within Sri Lanka’s child protection system. The primary objective is to provide evidence-based recommendations to align the child protection system with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

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IMPLEMENTAREA PROGRAMELOR ȘI ACTIVITĂȚILOR DE SPRIJIN FAMILIAL PRIMAR ȘI A ALTOR ACTIVITĂȚI COMUNITARE CENTRATE PE CONSOLIDAREA FAMILIEI

Changing the Way We Care

Studiul sociologic „Implementarea programelor și activităților de sprijin familial primar și a altor activități comunitare centrate pe consolidarea familiei” este un prim studiu realizat în Republica Moldova, cu scopul cartografierii programelor și a activităților de sprijin primar existente prin evaluarea relevanței, a eficienței, durabilității, dificultăților și a bunelor practici. Rezultatele cercetării  au informat elaborarea conceptului și procesul pilotării unui model eficientizat de sprijin primar al familiilor cu copii. Modelul eficientizat al serviciului  urmează să consolideze acțiunile viitoare ale actorilor comunitari în sprijinirea familiilor pentru a putea depăși situațiile de risc.

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Webinar #20: Building Evidence to Impact Care Reform - Challenges and Lessons Learned

Evidence for Impact Working Group - Transforming Children's Care Collaborative

On November 20, 2024, the Evidence for Impact Working Group as part of the Transforming Children’s Care Collaborative hosted the "Building Evidence to Impact Care Reform - Challenges and Lessons Learned" webinar as part of a continuous dis

Multi-Country Programme Evaluation Synthesis Report of the Childcare and Deinstitutionalisation Reforms from 2009 to 2022 (Summary)

Coram International, UNICEF ECARO, For Every Child

This is a summary of an evaluation of the child care and deinstitutionalisation reforms in seven countries (Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Tajikistan) for the period of 2009-2022.

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Multi-Country Programme Evaluation Synthesis Report of the Childcare and Deinstitutionalisation Reforms from 2009 to 2022

Coram International, UNICEF ECARO, For Every Child

This report presents the main findings, conclusions, and recommendations of an evaluation of the child care and deinstitutionalisation reforms in seven countries in the Europe and Central Asia Region (Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Serbia and Tajikistan). The report offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of child protection systems and the transition from institutional care to family- and community-based alternatives. It highlights key achievements, lessons learned, and best practices, while also addressing the areas where further improvements are needed to ensure that every child can grow up in a nurturing, safe, and supportive environment.

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Multi-country Programme Evaluation Synthesis Report of the Childcare and Deinstitutionalisation Reforms from 2009 to 2022

LifeStories: Impact of Infant Institutionalization - A 60-Year Follow-Up Study

Patricia Lannen

This is a recording of a presentation Dr. Patricia Lannen, the principal investigator of the “LifeStories project”, delivered during a meeting of the Evidence for Impact Working Group of the Transforming Children's Care Collaborative on 2 October 2024. LifeStories is a 60-year longitudinal study of individuals placed in infant care institutions.

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High-Level Satellite Event at Global Ministerial Conference: Addressing Children’s Care as Integral to Global Efforts to End Violence Against Children

The Inter-Agency Working Group on VAC and Care

This high-level satellite event to the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children took place on November 6, 2024, and brought together prominent speakers from across the world. The purpose of this event was to put a spotlight on the intersection between children’s care and violence against children. Watch the recordings of the event in English, Spanish or French.

Incorporating What Matters to Children into Kinship Care Practice: Listen, Understand, Do

Paul Shuttleworth - CoramBAAF

This kinship care practice guidance was developed by listening to children's views. It is a practical guide to listening to children living in kinship families to help ensure that their voices and views are heard and acted upon. It is intended primarily for those who support children and families in kinship care arrangements, but it also applies to other areas of child welfare practice.

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Ending Violence Against Children - Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations

United Nations

Remarks by Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, at a high-level event on ending violence against children in New York on 14 November, 2024. She highlighted the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children held in Bogota, Colombia, on 7 - 10 November, where delegations from more than 120 countries attended to identify innovative solutions focusing on evidence-based approaches for the broadest impact supporting children and their caregivers through effective prevention of and response to violence in its various forms. 

Poverty, Neglect, and Child Protection Reform

Ronald C. Hughes, Judith S. Rycus - Child Maltreatment Policy Resource Center

The purpose of this document is to explore why and how Child Protective Services (CPS) evolved from a highly specialized system designed to investigate and respond to allegations of serious child abuse and neglect to a system expected to provide social services and material supports to impoverished families unable to meet their children’s basic needs.

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