Work

Launch of Children’s High Level Group

PRESS STATEMENT

25TH JAN 2006

The new NGO will promote child welfare reform across Europe

In the past, the following statements have been made:

“The year 2005 has marked the entry into force of two new laws related to the promotion and protection of child rights and the legal status of adoptions.  These reforms emphasise the primary responsibility of the parents in the education of their children, as well as the support that public authorities should bring to the family environment in case of difficulties.”
– Mihai Razvan Ungureanu, President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (2006); Romanian Foreign Minister
“Romania is one of the few European countries which has managed to fundamentally reform its child welfare system. I am proud to say that Romania now provides family placement alternatives to institutionalization. This is a huge achievement and is something that other European countries, which have not yet managed to reform their systems, can learn from”.
– Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, MEP
The Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne MEP, would now like to add to the following statement:
“Romania is ready to share its experience with Europe. The success of the reforms in addressing the problems of the child welfare system has turned Romania into an example of good practice for other countries which are struggling with the difficult process of reform and de-institutionalisation.

In January 1st 2005 the new law for the Protection and Promotion of Child Rights (law 272/2004) came into effect and natural families were officially made responsible for their children’s upbringing.  This new law puts the child at the heart of the process, giving the state the responsibility of supporting the family through the provision of community services. This gives an opportunity to more effectively prevent child abandonment, abuse and neglect.

Working inside the EU enlargement process, in close partnership with the European Union, and with the generous support of other governments and UN agencies, Romania has steadily transformed its legislation and made the following achievements:

 Within the last four years (31.12.2000 to 31.12.2004) a total of 22,044 children have been de-institutionalised (back into family based care in Romanian communities).  Half of these children returned to their parents or relatives.
 The number of foster families increased from almost nothing to over 15,000 today ;
 It is no longer possible to institutionalise children under two years old (children at risk must be placed in foster and extended families).

An important instrument for reform was the unique forum of the High Level Group for Romanian Children, which brought together all those involved in child welfare reform – including ministries, international donors, UN agencies, civil society including the Orthodox and Catholic Churches.  The High Level Group for Romania’s Children was founded in 2000 by Baroness Nicholson, with the support of European Commissioner Gunther Verheugen and the Romanian Prime Minister.

This structure is the inspiration for  the new Children’s High Level Group charity, which is being established in Romania and the UK to support interventions for disadvantaged children and share the Romanian experience across Europe. The founding members are Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne MEP, J.K. Rowling, Muir John Potter OBE, and Professor Kevin Browne.

Interest in the Romanian reforms for child care and protection is growing. Indeed, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova has warmly invited us come and share experiences, and help them start the long process of reform. 

In support of these activities, a televised fundraising appeal on TVR1 is being organised together with a high profile celebrity dinner at Parliament House.  The guest of honour is British author J.K. Rowling.  All costs for this fundraising dinner have been covered by private donations, thus ensuring that all funds raised go towards projects for children in the region.