The guidance in this manual is based on 2013 best practices in deinstitutionalising children from residential care, identified from the experience of childcare professionals across the European region. The manual attempts to alert the reader to some of the challenges and obstacles and offers advice and practical methods for addressing them. It considers the process of de-institutionalisation in its entire complexity.

Breaking the guide down into ten key chapters, including: raise awareness on the negative effects of institutionalisation on children; managing the process of de-institutionalisation; analysis at country/regional level; analysis at institution level; design of alternative services; planning the transfer of resources; preparing and moving children; preparing and moving staff; logistics and monitoring and evaluation.