Friday, May 24, 2013
The Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator is looking for candidates with good field experience, as well as strong communication skills, to fill the position of OVC Support Officer.
Monday, April 29, 2013
The UNICEF Regional Office for Central and Eastern Europe/Commonwealth of Independent States (CEE/CIS), in the framework of its current Regional Knowledge and Leadership Agenda area 2 (RKLA2), Justice for Children: Enabling justice systems to respect and protect child rights, invites you to submit a proposal to conduct a multi-country evaluation of the impact of juvenile system reforms on children in conflict with the law 2006-2012.
Monday, April 29, 2013
The UNICEF Regional Office for Central and Eastern Europe/Commonwealth of Independent States (CEE/CIS), in the framework of its current Regional Knowledge and Leadership Agenda area 1 (RKLA1), the Child’s right to a Family Environment, invites you to submit a proposal to conduct a multi-country evaluation of results achieved through child care system 2005-2012.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
This report by News 24 highlights the ruling of a High Court in South Africa that grandparents who care for their grandchildren are eligible for foster care grants, regardless of income.
Friday, April 12, 2013
The International Day for Street Children was celebrated for the third year on April 12, 2013. The Consortium for Street Children wishes to have this day recognized by the UN. To lend your support, please sign the petition.
Monday, April 08, 2013
This article by the Copenhagen Post reports that adoptions from an Ethiopian orphanage through a Danish adoption agency were recently halted by the Danish Social and Integration minister following recent reports of child neglect at the institution and revelations of the use of ‘child harvesters’ to convince families to put their children up for adoption.
Sunday, April 07, 2013
This news report by the Sydney Morning Herald highlights the trend in which orphanages in Cambodia are often run as businesses where children are being used as economic assets to attract tourists and volunteers. It brings to light the trend of increased number of orphanages while the actual number of orphans is on a decline.
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
BBC Newsnight reports on efforts to reform Russia's institutional care system, with a government programme to move tens of thousands of children out of institutions and into family homes running into strong resistance from those benefiting from the State funding attached to this system.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Save the Children is looking to commission a consultant to take on the role of the Coordinator for the Community Child Protection Exchange Forum for a six-month period from May-October 2013.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
This new radio report from National Public Radio (NPR) challenges some of the misconceptions about fostering, including that people foster for the money or that foster parents “must be saints to take in other people’s children”. Two main speakers, a foster parent for over 15 years to more than 40 children, and a Professor at the University of Richmond School of Law share their insight and experiences about fostering in the US context.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Ghana News Agency reports on clarifications given by Ghana’s Department of Social Welfare about children’s placement in orphanages and the country’s commitment to reform the child care system to reduce the use of institutional care and ensure inter-country adoptions are conducted in the best interest of the child.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The German cabinet has agreed a bill allowing women going through unwanted pregnancies to give birth in hospital under a false name. The draft law is aimed at reducing unsafe births and giving mothers an alternative to abandoning unwanted newborns in so-called baby boxes.
Monday, March 04, 2013
The handbook of the United Nations approved Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children is to be launched on March 7th, 2013 3:00-4:30pm at Room XXII, Human Rights Council, Palais des Nations, Geneva. The handbook provides practical guidance on moving forward on the road to alternative care provision for children. It highlights implications for policy-making where national governments should provide leadership as well as provides links to what is already being effectively done on the ground.
Monday, March 04, 2013
The Better Care Network is seeking the assistance of a consultant or a team of consultants, with extensive experience in strategic planning, organizational, network development and child protection and alternative care, to work in close collaboration with the network to develop a three-year strategic plan and recommendations regarding appropriate organizational options to best support the implementation of the strategic plan.
Monday, February 18, 2013
This new radio report by NPR examines the controversial use of 'baby boxes' or hatches reported to be on the rise across Europe and that has received a lot of attention recently, including from the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
FairStart Training is a free 15 step online program developed by a child psychologist in Denmark, in collaboration with a team of childcare professionals, with support from the European Commission. It is a development program that aims to improve the professional care giving skills of those working with young people in public care (focused on children aged 0-3) through daily practices and organizational development.
Monday, February 11, 2013
This op-ed written by two U.S. Congresswomen puts forward the case for the adoption of the Help Separated Families Act, a bill introduced by them in Congress that would make it harder to terminate parental rights solely based on immigration status, and would also allow foster children to be placed in the best homes for them, regardless of the immigration status of the potential guardian.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Following on her New York Times piece in December, 2012, on efforts to try to close down orphanages in Haiti, Emily Brennan discusses debates in the evangelical movement on the approaches used to what some Christian leaders call “orphan care.”
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
The Huffington Post has begun “30 Adoption Portraits in 30 Days,” a series designed to give a voice to people with widely varying adoption experiences, including birthparents, adoptees, adoptive parents, foster parents, waiting, adoptive parents, and other touched by adoption. Topics of the articles include, but are not limited to, birth family, adoption process, open adoption, close adoption, foster care, and teen pregnancy.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The Launch of the United States Government Action Plan on Children in Adversity, the first government wide strategic guidance for U.S. Government international assistance for children. The plan is grounded in evidence that shows a promising future belongs to those nations that invest wisely in their children, while failure to do so undermines social and economic progress.
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
This New York Times article by Emily Brennan highlights the consensus developing among Haitian government officials and children’s advocates that a new approach is required to reduce the number of orphanages. But the transition is not easy, and some question whether the country is ready for it.
Thursday, November 01, 2012
In this TED video, Georgette Mulheir, CEO of Lumos, an NGO dedicated to ending worldwide systematic institutionalization, describes how orphanages can cause irreparable damage to children both mentally and physically and urges to end reliance on them by finding alternate ways of supporting children in need.
Thursday, October 04, 2012
2014 is the time line set to re-unite orphaned children with their families. Already in a period of seven months, two orphanages have been phased out. Officials from the National Commission for Children (NCC) say that in less than two months, two more of the 34 targeted orphanages will have been closed.
Monday, October 01, 2012
This publication was prepared as a background document to inform the discussions and debates during the Fifth International Policy Conference on the African Child held on 29-30 May 2012 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This report examines the rationale behind increasing intercountry adoption in Africa, the main thrust of international standards, the extent and magnitude of African intercountry adoption and its problems and challenges. The paper provides recommendations to this increasing trend and aims to establish a more Pan-African position on the topic of intercountry adoption.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Throughout Cambodia well-intentioned volunteers have helped to create a surge in the number of residential care homes as impoverished parents are tempted into giving up their children in response to promises of a Western-style upbringing and education. Despite a period of prosperity in the country, the number of children in orphanages has more than doubled in the past decade, and over 70 per cent of the estimated 10,000 'orphans' have at least one living parent.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
When orphans in Ukraine reach adulthood, some are deemed "incapacitated" - a label that consigns them to a life in institutions. But many of these young people may have nothing wrong with them at all. It is an official classification in Ukraine that critics say strips the bearer of basic human rights.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
As debates rage on austerity measures and social spending cuts, a new report reveals the extent of child poverty and child deprivation in the world’s advanced economies. Some 13 million children in the European Union (plus Norway and Iceland) lack basic items necessary for their development. Meanwhile, 30 million children – across 35 countries with developed economies – live in poverty.
Thursday, March 01, 2012
In the next few years, the Rwandan government hopes to close the majority of the country’s children’s homes. Rwanda’s so-called "child deinstitutionalization" (DI) policy, which, despite initial concerns, is attracting global support.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Event to launch two new reports on importance of deinstitutionalization for all persons
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
A vital source of information for people working on issues related to children without adequate parental care
Monday, May 16, 2011
A vital source of information for people working on issues related to children without adequate parental care
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
A vital source of information for people working on issues related to children without adequate parental care
Monday, February 14, 2011
Almost 5,000 children are registered as having lost contact with their families - a list that has grown 60% since the earthquake. About a quarter of the children have now been reunited with parents or relatives, but most of the others will find themselves in orphanages. About half of these homesare not registered with local authorities.
Monday, February 14, 2011
In 2004 the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) projected a grim future for the landlocked country as a consequence of the world's highest HIV prevalence rates - 26.1 percent of people aged 15-49 are living with the virus - but although the nation is struggling, it is managing to cope.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A vital source of information for people working on issues related to children who lack adequate family care.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
A vital source of information for people working on issues related to children who lack adequate family care.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Developed to support practitioners around the world in planning for and delivering better care for children who require an out-of-home placement. It contains a selection of practical guides and manuals, chosen as examples of good practice and for their global relevance particularly for low resource settings. They cover the types of policies required to support a quality care system, and practice guidance and tools for the delivery of alternative care.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Indian Council for Child Welfare, Tamil Nadu is organizing its Second National Conference on Child Abuse for Multidisciplinary Professionals in September 2010. The goal of the conference will be to enhance awareness on the issue, changes and developments in the response to abuse such as the setting up of the Child Welfare Committees and other mechanisms for rescue and rehabilitation of abused children, and above all far more reporting of violence against children. The conference will take place 16-18 September 2010.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The Russian Union of Social Workers and Social Pedagogues is glad to inform experts in the social sphere about the Fourth International Forum of Social Workers of Siberia and the Far East “Family of the 21-st century. Hope for the Future”. The Forum will take place on 18 – 19 August 2010.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Ethiopian Womens Affairs Ministry and UNICEF hosted a training for all stakeholders on the 1993 Hague Convention. The training focused on facilitating ways for the adoption of the Hague in line with the laws and regulations of Ethiopia.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
The National Skills Development Programme of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs Afghanistan and UNICEF Afghanistan look to hire a social work institution for curriculum and training development.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Compilation of news sources, resources and information related to children in Haiti with particular consideration for identification, tracing and reunification for separated and unaccompanied children.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Compilation of news sources, resources and information related to children in Haiti with particular consideration for identification, tracing and reunification for separated and unaccompanied children.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Deputy Executive Director Hilde Johnson calls for all unaccompanied and/or separated children to be registered, traced and reunited with family where possible and appropriate. This includes children who were in alternative care, such as in crèches and “orphanages”, prior to the earthquake.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Call for humanitarian response to uphold recommendations set forth in the Guidelines for Alternative Care in regards to care for children in emergencies, preventing family separation and promoting family based care in their community of origin where possible.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Statement noting potential dangers associated with ICA in emergencies with specific reference to risk of family separation.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Opinion editorial on risks associated with using intercountry adoption as an emergency response to the needs of children in Haiti
Thursday, January 21, 2010
"The desire of the Haitian people, to the extent that this can be done, is for the children to be cared for in Haiti…That is their preference"
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Member agencies of the Disasters Emergency Committee are calling for international focus to remain on reuniting children who have lost their families during the earthquake in Haiti rather than adopting them out of the country.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Conference programme, background papers, key policy recommendation from 2009 Wilton Park conference event
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Summary information on recently published book on community strengthening in response to children needs in context of poverty and AIDS
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Call for participants for seminar at European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, 6-9 December
Friday, August 22, 2008
BCN is collecting resources to be included in our new toolkit for practicioners supporting the delivery of better care to children and youth
Monday, August 04, 2008
UNICEF, together with WHO, UNAIDS, UNFPA and WFP, invites you to the Mexico 2008 AIDS satellite session on "Keeping the promise: Unite for Children. Unite against AIDS". The session will take place on Monday, 4 August, from 6:30PM to 8:30PM in the Banamex Conference Center, Session Room 4.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
International Children & HIV/AIDS Symposium, August 1st & 2nd
Sunday, July 20, 2008
The 34th Biannual Conference of the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) is scheduled for July 20-24, 2008, in Durban, South Africa. This conference will focus on the theme of improving social work education and practice in an increasingly globalized world.
Monday, December 10, 2007
The CWLA National Adoption and Foster Care Training Conference is scheduled for December 10-12, 2007, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The conference will feature workshops and information on all facets of adoption and foster care.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
The International Foster Care Organisation's European Training Seminar will take place November 18-21, 2007 in Malta. The seminar is aimed at participants from the EU, EEA, CIS, CEE & North Africa, but welcomes people from around the world. It will be followed by the EuroChild annual conference.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The U.S. Embassy in Vietnam points to poor regulation as the basis for denying intercountry adoptions.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
A personal story about adopting a child from Guatemala.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Two families in South Africa absorb children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Their story.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Second only to China for Americans seeking children, Guatemala is tightening its rules on intercountry adoption.
Monday, September 24, 2007
The first International Conference on Sexual Abuse of the African Child will be held in Nairobi, Kenya from 24–26 September 2007. The aim of the conference is to advance knowledge regarding the various types of sexual abuse and their complexity in the cultural settings of Africa.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Josephine Morgan comes from a poor family. Her father, hoping for a better life for his children, agreed to an offer made by the head of an orphanage to take Josephine, her sister and her young brother.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
A resource site based on the first Regional Consultation on Child Care System Reform held in Sofia in early July. The consultation brought together 120 key social welfare delegates from Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, UN-administered Kosovo, FYR Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Turkey.
Monday, July 23, 2007
In Georgia, UNICEF and EveryChild have teamed up to place children in need of alternative care in small, supervised apartments as an alternative to orphanages.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Emerging evidence from Mozambique suggests that children fostered after conflict-induced separation receive love, care and support from local families.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The United States expects to endorse the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, a multilateral treaty intended to protect children by standardizing international adoption procedures, later this year. Guatemalan Congress recently failed to pass a bill recongizing Guatemala's endorsment of the Hague Convention in 2003. Once the United States enforces the Hague Convention (anticipated early 2008), it will refuse permission to adopt Guatemalan children until Guatemala implements the treaty as well.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Dana Johnson, member of the Budpest Early Intervention Project and a speaker at the BCN-BEIP discussion day, addresses common questions concerning the adotpion of institutionalized children.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Africa shifts to 'whole village' approach for the care of orphans and other vulnerbale children.
Monday, January 15, 2007
The Lubuto Library Project seeks to fill an important gap in services to vulnerable children in Africa by providing a bridge to schools and social services otherwise beyond their reach.
Monday, January 01, 2007
The overarching aim of the BCN FBO Committee is to dialogue with churches, organizations, and leaders in the faith community for the purpose of gathering information about orphan and vulnerable children (OVC) responses already underway, to encourage increased OVC support in general, and promote better care practices.
Friday, November 10, 2006
"According to the first stage of our research, there is no significant difference between children, based on their orphan status," Quinlan said. Orphaned children are doing as well in school and engaging in the same level of risk behavior as their non-orphaned counterparts.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
The Joint Learning Initiative on Children and HIV/AIDS (JLICA) engages practitioners, policymakers, and scholars in collaborative problem-solving, research, and analysis to address the needs of children living in the context of HIV/AIDS.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
The UN Study on Violence Against Children has been launched! The Violence Study explicitly identifies children living in institutional care as being at high risk for violence. Chapter three of the report contains a sub-section on children in care and justice systems.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Moldova is set to completely reform their national childcare policy, practice and legislation, eventually replacing large institutions with child-focused, family-based alternatives. President Vladimir Voronin made an official announcement outlining the new strategy in May, 2006.