Summary:

This paper summarizes the evidence base on residential care to promote better decision making among policy makers and child welfare practitioners

http://www.crin.org/docs/Scaling Down .pdf

This paper summarizes the evidence base on residential care to promote better decision making among policy makers and child welfare practitioners.  It calls for an end to the unregulated and unplanned growth of residential care in many parts of the world, with priority given to ending residential care for children under three, and care in large scale facilities.  The paper examines the role of small group homes and children's villages in the continuum of care options, arguing for a careful and limited use of such facilities only for children for who family-based care is not appropriate or available.  The paper calls for improvements in the quality of any residential care than continues to be used, identifying key elements of high quality care.  Finally, the paper outlines strategies for reducing reliance on residential care, including increasing political will, preventative work to reduce overall numbers in the care system, and strategies to promote alternatives, such as foster care. 

This paper is the first in a series of papers on children's care choices.  If you would prefer not to receive further papers in this series, or would like to learn more about the series and how to contribute to debates regarding the subjects raised in the series, please email: policy@everychild.org.uk

Previous Publication (general) items

• 11/05/2011: In Their Words: Perspectives of Armed Non-State Actors on the Protection of Children from the Effects of Armed Conflict
• 10/05/2011: AFRICA: Fourth Forum on the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
• 05/05/2011: GLOBAL: Children's Rights and Business Principles Initiative
• 05/05/2011: VIOLENCE: "Stopping Violence in Schools - A Guide for Teachers"
• 05/05/2011: ARMED CONFLICT: “An Uncertain Future? Children and Armed Conflict in the Central African Republic”

Organisation Contact Details:

Better Care Network
c/o UNICEF
3 UN Plaza, 739-2
New York, NY 10017
Tel: +1 212 326 7650
Email: contact@bettercarenetwork.org

Last updated 13/05/2011 09:19:33

Please note that these reports are hosted by CRIN as a resource for Child Rights campaigners, researchers and other interested parties. Unless otherwise stated, they are not the work of CRIN and their inclusion in our database does not necessarily signify endorsement or agreement with their content by CRIN.