Deinstitutionalisation and Quality Alternative Care for Children in Europe: Lessons learned and the way forward

Research has largely demonstrated that institutional care is particularly harmful for children, with long-term effects on their psychosocial wellbeing. Despite this, children continue to be placed in segregating institutions – environments that are inappropriate for their emotional, physical, intellectual and social development. 

This paper aims to raise awareness of the negative effects of institutionalization on children. It calls for comprehensive system reforms and a greater focus on family and community-based care.

This paper was a part of the Opening Doors campaign, which aimed to support national efforts to develop child protection systems that strengthen families and ensure high-quality family- and community-based alternative care for children, by leveraging EU funding and policy and building capacity in civil society.