February 21 2024- A UNICEF report has revealed that over 450,000 children reside in residential care homes across Europe and Central Asia, indicating an ongoing “painful legacy” of neglect, abuse, exploitation, and psychological trauma. The investigation, titled “Pathways to Better Protection,” underscores that children with disabilities make up as much as 87 percent of those in care, where data is available. Additionally, the report notes a rising trend of unaccompanied children seeking asylum in such institutions in western Europe. UNICEF’s director for the region, Regina De Dominicis, emphasizes the need to address the longstanding issue of institutionalizing children in the region, as those in residential care often face difficulties forming positive relationships, leading to isolation and loneliness. Furthermore, children in such settings, especially from a young age, may experience developmental delays, increasing their vulnerability to legal issues and further institutionalization.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/01/1145652