You can do one thing now to ensure that no child in Europe has to live in an institution deprived of love and exposed to harm. Ask decision-makers to ensure EU funds are used to create a Europe where every child lives in a loving family. Sign our petition.
Get Involved
A million children need your help
Why Campaign?
Our goal is to end the institutionalisation of children across the world within three decades. The problem is, there are so many barriers to reforming systems of looking after children, that change will not happen unless we all work together. We need your support to convince politicians, professionals and society at large of the urgency of the problem. We want decision-makers and funders to treat children in institutions globally as a top priority, to make commitments to end the practice of institutionalisation and to implement the necessary reforms.
With your help, we can build a global movement to change the life stories of eight million children across the world who are living in institutions that harm their health and development and reduce their life chances. This change is vital and you can make it happen. Please join us.
Why now?
As you read this, a crucial process is taking place in Europe, which could help change the lives of a million children currently living in institutions.
The funding that the European Union will provide for health, education and social services for the next seven years is currently being negotiated. Our message to EU decision-makers is clear:
• EU funding should be used to transform children's services, by closing institutions and setting up inclusive schools, community health services and social services to support the most vulnerable children and their families
• Under no circumstances should EU funding be used to renovate institution buildings. This has little impact on the quality of life of children, but investing in these buildings makes it much harder to persuade governments to close them down and place children in families instead.
In the past, EU funds have been used for renovating existing institutions, or building new ones. This current round of negotiations gives the EU the opportunity to ensure this never happens again and to redirect the money towards the services children really need to be looked after in caring family environments.
Please join us to seize this important moment and help create a world where every child can live in a safe and loving family, giving them the opportunity to develop to their full potential.
Sign our petition and convince your friends and family to sign, too.