The EEG has endorsed the European Parliament – EU Alliance for Investing in Children Manifesto on Child Poverty and Social Exclusion in the EU.

On the topic of deinstitutionalisation of children, the Manifesto calls on the Child Guarantee to not present the placement of children in institutional care as a last resort. Instead, EU Member States should invest in child protection, high quality support services starting from early childhood interventions to support families and prevent separation, and the provision of quality community- and family-based alternative care. Adequate services should be provided to prepare children leaving care in order to support their independent living and social integration, including for unaccompanied migrant children.

The placement of children in emergency shelters should also be avoided. To prevent and address homelessness, EU Member States should provide stable and adequate housing for children and their families, accompanied by social support services.

The full Manifesto is available here.