The European Child Guarantee
Together for an inclusive and friendly future for children in Romania
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35 years after the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most ratified human rights treaty in history, the implementation of the National Action Plan of the European Child Guarantee is the opportunity of today's generation to radically change the lives of 500,000 children in Romania, who are at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
What is the European Child Guarantee?
The European Child Guarantee is a recommendation of the Council of the European Union, adopted in 2021, to ensure that all Member States take the necessary action to "guarantee" access to quality and free or affordable services to all children in the European Union (EU), especially to the most vulnerable ones, in order to counter poverty and social exclusion.
UNICEF has played a crucial role at the European Union (EU) level in the development of the Child Guarantee recommendation, including through its partnership with the European Commission to support seven pilot countries in the testing phase of this project. In Romania, UNICEF provided technical assistance both in the development of the National Strategy for the Protection and Promotion of Children's Rights 2022-2027 and in the elaboration of the National Action Plan for the implementation of the Children's Guarantee.
What are the aims of the European Child Guarantee in Romania?
The National Action Plan of the European Child Guarantee includes 59 concrete measures. Romania committed to invest over €19 billion through a mix of EU funds, state budget, local and non-reimbursable funds.
The Child Guarantee provides a unique opportunity to invest in accessible and quality services to fight poverty and social exclusion, and to prioritize urgent measures for vulnerable children, aiming to create social structures and services that will improve the living standards of children in Romania.
Vulnerable groups that will be supported through this plan include:
- children affected by poverty and social exclusion;
- children in rural areas;
- children with disabilities;
- Roma children;
- children from migrant families;
- teenage mothers;
- other vulnerable children, including homeless children and children who are victims of various forms of abuse.
Find out more about the Child Guarantee's mission in Romania.
The European Child Guarantee
-Through the eyes of the little heros-
5 Key Points of the European Child Guarantee |
FREE EARLY CARE
Imagine that every child can go to kindergarten, play and learn new things, without parents being financially burdened. This is the essence of free early care for all children.
The Guarantee provides a valuable opportunity to invest in quality early education and care for children, giving them the best start in life. At the same time, parents and caregivers will receive the support they need to navigate this journey with confidence. Dedicated professionals will identify vulnerable children, facilitating their access to education, care and protection, helping to build a better future for every child.
FREE QUALITY EDUCATION
When every child grows up, they should be able to step into the world of knowledge, having free access to quality education that nurtures the essential skills for their development. This initiative aims to guarantee free quality education for all Romanian children.
The Guarantee is committed to providing free, quality education to every child, with a special focus on the most vulnerable ones, so that they can go to school, learn and develop in an environment that fully includes and supports them.
FREE QUALITY MEDICAL CARE
Regardless of age or where they are born, every child needs to benefit from healthcare and prevention services, without parents having to pay. The Guarantee's third superpower is to provide free quality healthcare services.
The Guarantee's mission is that all children benefit from quality preventive and health services. Social workers and community healthcare nurses will identify disadvantaged children, understand their needs and find the best solutions to protect their health and well-being.
HEALTHY NUTRITION
A healthy and nutritious diet is essential for children's development. This is why the "Hot Meals in Schools" program will be extended to as many areas of the country as possible, in order to promote a diet appropriate to the needs of children.
One of the objectives of the Guarantee for Children in Romania is to ensure that all children, including the most vulnerable ones, benefit from healthy food both at home and at school. Social workers will identify households in need and provide guidance on how to provide meals suitable for each child's needs, thus contributing to a healthy and balanced upbringing.
ADEQUATE HOUSING
Every child deserves a safe and comfortable home that supports children’s development in an optimal environment. To this end, the Guarantee promotes access to adequate housing for all children.
Parents and caretakers in vulnerable situations, together with their children, will be prioritized in accessing social housing and housing assistance. Social workers will identify children in need and provide essential support to them and their families, ensuring that they have a home that enables them to thrive in a healthy and stable environment.
