Context:
In Romania, it is estimated that more than a third of the population is at risk of poverty and of social exclusion(1). One of the groups most affected is children, particularly those with disabilities, who were casually abandoned until the late 1990s and placed in dilapidated, unsuitable orphanages, where children were placed without consideration for their individual identities and needs.
Today, the country's context maintains a high rate of abandonment among the poorest populations and underage mothers. These families are forced to abandon their children because of their lack of access to necessary medical or social services.
Laws promoting children's rights are leading to the closure of old, unsuitable centres and orphanages in order to place children in healthier environments. If possible, a return to their families is accompanied by the necessary support; otherwise, children may be placed in professional foster families or in new care services.
(1) Eurostat, 2023
Project description:
CARE works with SERA to develop alternative solutions and build family-style homes for children who cannot be cared for by their families. These facilities are designed to respect the rights and well-being of children, with a maximum of 12 places and educators who help them form the emotional bonds needed for their development. They help them with homework, prepare their meals and provide them with loving guidance. The children participate according to their age and abilities.
As part of the process of bringing old children protection institutions in Romania into compliance, the shutting down of the former Borosnyay Kamilla placement centre in Targu Secuiesc, in the Covasna department in central Romania, is being accompanied by the construction of two new family-style homes for children and adolescents currently benefiting from placement protection measures in child protection institutions.
These two homes are being built with technical assistance from SERA ROMANIA and will then be taken over and managed by the DGASPC in Covasna. Their aim is to offer beneficiaries living conditions that are adapted to the needs of children, dignified and caring, taking into account the particularities of each child and creating an environment close to that of a family.
Specific objectives:
• Shutting down the Borosnyay Kamilla placement centre through the construction of two family homes, each with 12 places, in the towns of Ghelinta and Targu Secuiesc;
• Furnishing the family-style homes with furniture and electrical appliances suitable for their normal operation;
• Improving the physical and mental condition and degree of autonomy of the children and young people who will be staying in the new family homes;
• Simplifying the care of children and young people within their families.
Key Themes:
Child protection
Construction
Housing
CARE Belgium supports the project in collaboration with other members of the CARE network, in particular through communication and fundraising activities.