Our Romania team have not only closed another orphanage, they’ve secured funding for 5 new projects too.
We’re delighted to share some fantastic news from Romania, where at the end of January our team succeeded in finally securing the closure of the Ion Creanga orphanage in Neamt County in Romania.
This closure was the culmination of hard work that began several years ago when there were 36 children and young adults living in the Ion Creanga orphanage. Working together with local authorities, in 2023 our team were able to transition 12 children from within the orphanage into a small group home* that was set up by Hope and Homes for Children.
Another 4 children in the institution were transitioned to another group home, and 12 young adults were supported to begin independent living. Then at the end of last month, the final 8 children living in the orphanage were able to transition into a small group home run by the local authorities.
Now there is only one orphanage remaining in the whole of Neamt County, and that is due to be closed by the end of this year.
This fantastic achievement by our Romania team is a testament to their dedication and hard work as they deal with complex situations that can take years to resolve – but thanks to their efforts, more children will now be able to grow up in safe and loving environments.
Boosting community services
Alongside closing another orphanage, our Romania team have also been able to secure EU funding for five new projects across three different counties within Romania.
The aim of these projects is to improve access to community services for children and families within their respective county, with the overarching goal of preventing the separation of children from their families and supporting the reintegration of those in the care system into their families.
The projects are targeted to support vulnerable children and families – especially those from isolated rural communities or families affected by extreme poverty and of Roma ethnicity – in the counties they are based in.
These new projects will identify children and families at risk of separation and provide them with the specialist support services they need to stay together and ensure that children are safe and with family.
Ultimately the projects aim to support 1,330 children in total, and will bring far reaching positive benefits to families and communities across the five counties of Romania.
