Romania

Romania, Europe’s second poorest country, is still experiencing the legacy of Ceausescu’s oppressive regime that left the nation severely impoverished. During this period over 100,000 children were hidden and forgotten in antiquated institutions across the country.

Today, in large part due to our work, only 9,000 children are resident in institutions. Thousands of children have returned to their families, been adopted into loving homes, placed with caring foster parents, cared for in Small Family Homes or supported to live independent lives as young adults.

The Government of Romania is now fully committed to reforming its childcare system, supporting family-based care as an alternative to institutionalisation. Working in partnership with Absolute Return for Kids (ARK) and the Romanian Government, we are aiming to close all the remaining institutions in Romania by 2020.

To help us plan this ambitious work, we have thoroughly studied Romania’s current childcare system, mapped out all the remaining institutions, assessed children’s needs, and checked whether the services to support children in the childcare system and to prevent children being abandoned are effective enough. The results of this study will also help the Government complete its childcare reform and help us secure additional funds from the European Union to carry out the work.

We are also improving the quality of childcare in Romania by training childcare professionals, focusing on children with special needs through our training package - the first to receive national accreditation. We are also working closely with professionals and local authorities who work with children and families that are at risk of breaking down.

Learn more about our work in Romania.

Learn more about our partnership with ARK or watch the Hope and Homes for Children/ARK partnership launch film below.