The country’s progress has been slow but steady, as it has a complex governmental structure, with the presidency rotating every eight months between a Serb, a Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) and a Croat. The development of social services has been patchy in parts and many vulnerable children are denied their basic right to grow up within a family environment.

Our work in Bosnia and Herzegovina

It was in BiH that Hope and Homes for Children first began. In 1994, Founder Presidents, Mark and Caroline Cook, entered the war-torn country and risked their lives to help rebuild the Bjelave Dom children’s home, which had been totally devastated during the siege of Sarajevo.

Our work has now progressed from rebuilding orphanages to closing them down and the Government has committed to working in partnership with us to transform their childcare system. Bringing about a change in policy and getting the Government to agree to close every institution in the country has not been an easy process, but putting children’s rights and needs first is something we are passionate about.

As a result of this work, in June 2008 we closed the Dom Most institution - home to 56 children and 34 young adults. We prepared the young adults to leave the care system, equipping them with the skills to live independently, and the children have all been moved into caring family environments. We are currently working in the city of Tulza developing family support services so that children who have been sent to institutions in neighbouring counties can return home.

Additionally, as part of the complex process of closing institutions in BiH, we are also piloting innovative ways to help prevent children from being separated from their families. With the support of the Ministry of Education we are training social workers and teachers in schools across Sarajevo so that we can identify families at risk of breakdown early and help prevent crises that can lead to child abandonment.

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