The Rights of Children in Alternative Care

Across Europe, an estimated 1.5 million children live in alternative care, including foster care and residential institutions. Despite countries’ commitment to upholding children’s rights through the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), this group of children remains among the most vulnerable. Challenges such as limited participation in decision-making and inconsistent care standards affect their well-being and future opportunities.

 

To address these and a range of other concerns, ENOC has dedicated its 2024 annual theme to the rights of children in alternative care.

Under the leadership of the ENOC Chair-elect, Elina Pekkarinen, Ombudsman for Children in Finland, research supported by insights from 34 ENOC member institutions reveals both progress and critical gaps. The findings reveal a wide range of practices across Europe, with strong differences in caregiver training, quality of care, and aftercare support—factors that profoundly impact the lives of children in alternative care.

 

Children themselves have contributed directly to these discussions through the ENYA 2024Project, sharing recommendations based on personal experiences to improve care standards and ensure their voices are respected. ENOC’s annual conference in Helsinki brought together ENOC members, child rights experts and Young People from across Europe to finalise and endorse the 2024 Policy Position Statement, which urges for a stronger protection of the rights of children in alternative care and greater accountability.

 

Read the ENOC Synthesis Report HERE.

 

For more insights into ENOC's findings, the ENYA project, and the recent conference in Helsinki, click HERE.

 

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