1. A Children Home is Not a Real Home MARIELA NEAGU STATE SECRETARY NATIONAL AUTHORITY FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDS RIGHTS ROMANIA BULGARIA JULY 2007

2. TOPICS Ways to influence attitudes and values related to child rights and the family role Residential institutions role before reform Constraints on recognition and financing of the former institution as a new system

3. IN THE PAST Only big residential institutions Subject to criticism 85000 children in residential care Most of them in contact with their families

4. START OF THE REFORM 1998, alternative services created through World Bank loan 2000, set-up of other services to close old style institutions through EU financial assistance

5. REFORM PROCESS Child protection policy focused on: Support of natural families Protection in the family type alternatives

6. COUNTY COUNCILS STRATEGIES Closure of the large residential institutions through: Reintegration into the natural or extended family Foster care Family type homes with 5-10 children

7. IN PRESENT 73 000 children –20,000 children in foster care –26,000 children in residential care (5500 children in family type homes) –27000 supported in natural or extended family 19 institutions with 100-150 children 1 institutions with 218 children

8. A Children Home is Not a Real Home The first large public awareness campaign Implemented through the EU program: 7 TV and radio spots TV programs, meetings and other events during 2 years (2001-2003).

9. NEW LEGISLATION Adopted in June 2004, in force from January 2005.

10. Romania has proved her commitment towards her children It proved the courage to protect the childrens rights in a better environment