The European Commission launched the consultation on the integrated child protection systems as one of the key deliverables of the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child in September and Eurochild submitted a comprehensive contribution to it.
This initiative aims to support the development and strengthening of integrated child protection systems in the EU. It encourages all relevant authorities and services to work together in a holistic way, from preventing abuse of and violence towards children, to protecting them. There were two parts to this consultation, one for children to provide their feedback and the other for organisations/individuals working with and for children. The consultation will inform the Commission Recommendation on integrated child protection systems to be published in first quarter of 2024.
Eurochild submitted a comprehensive contribution to the official online consultation that included input from 6 members covering 4 EU Member States and 2 countries in accession.
| Name of organisation | Country covered |
| CONCORDIA Social Projects | Bulgaria, Romania |
| Know-how Centre for Alternative Care for Children, New Bulgarian University | Bulgaria |
| The Central Union for Child Welfare, Finland | Finland |
| Plataforma de Infancia Spain | Spain |
| Hope and Homes for Children | Eastern Europe (attached separately) |
Firstly, this contribution provides the data on children addressed by the national child protection system in respective country, description of groups of children that are most affected by violence and abuse, including further statistics, data along with the link to the resource. Secondly, it lays out the main challenges and gaps (legislation, tools, finances, personnel, other) in the national child protection system when it comes to: prevention of violence; identification of victims of different forms of abuse and violence; protection and treatment (first aid, short- and long-term treatment); and coordination among the authorities involved. Further explanation is also provided where relevant. Thirdly, it proposes the main recommendations, what must be dealt with and how to better protect children. Finally, a short description of each of the contributors is added.
Furthermore, Eurochild compiled an input based on members’ contributions to 2023 Eurochild Flagship Report including 22 countries (Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkiye, Ukraine, and Wales).
For more information contact Zuzana Konradova, Eurochild EU Affairs Coordinator.
