A million children need your help

[Sara Hall]

Lumos is an international NGO working to end the institutionalisation of children. We work to transform education, health and social care systems for children and their families and help children move from institutions to family and community-based care.

 

Romani children in Central and Eastern Europe are more likely to be institutionalised than their non-Romani peers. A 2011 study by the European Roma Rights Centre estimates that in Bulgaria Romani children represent 63 per cent of children in institutional care (while the share of Roma in the total population is approximately 10 per cent). Sometimes Romani children are placed in educational institutions intended for children with disabilities even if they are not disabled.

 

We want to make sure every child in Europe can grow up in a caring family environment. This is why we have launched a petition calling on the European Parliament, Council and Commission to ensure that European Union structural funds are used for the transition from institutional to family and community-based services. You can sign it here: http://www.wearelumos.org/get-involved/take-action

 

Why is this important?

 

In the past, European Union funds have been used for renovating existing institutions, or building new ones. This prolongs the time children have to live this way. Institutions deny children individual love and care and can damage their brain development. We need to make sure these vital funds are instead used to develop family and community-based services for children.

 

Why now?

 

As you read this, a crucial process is taking place in Europe: the funding that the European Union will provide for health, education and social services for the next seven years is currently being negotiated. This is a key moment to put pressure on European decision-makers to ensure this money is spent on the services children need so they can be looked after in caring family environments.

 

Please sign the petition today http://www.wearelumos.org/get-involved/take-action

 

Thank you for your support.