Forgotten children? An update on young children in institutions across Europe

Area of Science:

• Child Development
• Pediatric Health
• Social Policy

Background:

• Institutional care for young children, particularly those under three, is prevalent in many European countries.
• Current institutional practices often prioritize physical care over crucial social and emotional needs.
• Evidence indicates institutionalization increases risks for developmental delays, attachment disorders, neural dysfunction, and mental health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an update on projects addressing the risks of institutional care for children in Europe.
• To advocate for policy changes based on the detrimental effects of institutionalization on early childhood development.
• To reinforce the principle that children under three should not be placed in residential care without a primary caregiver.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of findings from ongoing projects focused on institutional care in Europe.
• Analysis of the impact of institutional environments on child development and well-being.
• Discussion of international policy discussions and guidelines related to early childhood institutionalization.

Main Results:

• Institutional care is a poor substitute for family environments, negatively impacting child development.
• Children in institutions face heightened risks of developmental delay, attachment difficulties, and mental health disorders.
• The principle of avoiding institutionalization for children under three has gained international attention and support.

Conclusions:

• Babies and young children (under three), regardless of disability, should not be placed in residential care without a parent or primary caregiver.
• International bodies like the UN General Assembly recognize the need for guidelines to protect young children from detrimental institutionalization.
• Policy and practice must shift towards supporting family-based care to ensure optimal child development and well-being.