We are proud to announce our new partnership with international children’s charity ARK (Absolute Return for Kids). Together we hope to end the institutionalisation of children in Romania by working with the Romanian Government to close all large-scale children’s institutions in the country.

The HHC-ARK Partnership will close the remaining large-scale institutions in Maramures county and accelerate reform in Bacau county. Overall, six institutions will be closed in a 30 month period, moving 495 children from institutions to families or alternative care, and benefit another 3,000 children through prevention services, reintegration and foster care work.

In the past 15 years Romania has undergone a dramatic reform of its childcare care system by reducing the number of children in institutions from 100,000 to just over 20,000. However, 183 large institutions remain and children continue to be placed in institutions due to the lack of alternative services. ARK and Hope and Homes for Children are committed to ending the institutionalisation of children.

By working with local authorities and childcare professionals in each county the HHC-ARK Partnership are increasing their capacity and knowledge, but also establishing a benchmark for reform.

The creation of demonstration projects will act as a catalyst for systemic change and influence the closure of the remaining large-scale institutions across the country. This would make Romania the first country in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union to complete the transition from a system based on institutions, to one which puts the needs and rights of children first. Furthermore, the success of this project will act as a beacon for other countries in the region that are at an earlier stage in their reform of childcare systems.

Commenting on the HHC-ARK Partnership, Rick Foulsham CMG, Chief Executive of Hope and Homes for Children said,

“Hope and Homes for Children has worked extensively with ARK in Romania since 2002, but we are proud that this new partnership represents a significant further development in our relationship. By combining our experience and resources in this way, Hope and Homes for Children and ARK will constitute a very considerable force for change in Romania. Working in Bacau and Maramures counties, we intend to support the Romanian state authorities to achieve a situation in which no child will ever be consigned to an institution again.”

Managing Director of ARK, Paul Bernstein goes on to say,

“Romania has made enormous progress in the reform of its childcare, and ARK is extremely pleased to have played a part, with Hope and Homes for Children, in that progress. This partnership will enable us to rapidly accelerate reform in Bacau and Maramures. Completing the reform of the institutional system in Maramures will mean that no child in the county will ever have to grow up in an institution again and this is an inspiring achievement for all involved.

“Getting children out of institutions has far reaching effects not only on them and their families but on their potential to become fully participating members of society. The alternative childcare projects we have seen this week are inspiring in their ambition and dedication while visiting remaining institutions confirms the urgency of progress for their young residents. We are proud to be working alongside Hope and Homes for Children and the Government.”

October 2008

Want to find out more about the countries we work in? Then take at look at our other programmes across Central and Eastern Europe and Africa.

Want to find out more about the history of Hope and Homes for Children? Then take at look at how we began.

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