Government approved minimal standards for taking care of children in residential institutions

Government approved minimal quality standards concerning the care, education and socialisation of children in residential institutions. A draft decision in this regard has been worked out by the Ministry of Education and Youth, in the context of the National Strategy on the protection of the child and family, approved in May 2005. The process of working out the standards has been supported by the UNICEF and has been coordinated with the Permanent Secretary of the National Council for Child Rights Protection. It is considered that their implementation will improve the quality of looking after orphan children or left without parental care, their education and their efficient preparation for integration into the society. Concerning the organisation of the institution, it is mentioned that the institution offers services of taking care about a child in difficult situations, his education, recovery, reintegration, medical and social assistance, providing optimal conditions for his personal development, supporting the relations between the child and his parents. The institution must have a maximum capacity of 250 places and receive children aged between 3 and 16. The child’s staying period within the institution will not exceed 12 months. During this time, specialists will look for the definitive family-type solutions. A longer staying period is decided only for exceptional situations. Children benefit from residential-type care only after there are no family-type alternatives left. Standards stipulate that the institution should initiate “Open doors Days” at least two times a year, where interested persons will have the possibility to visit the institution, know the children and the services provided. Not more than 5 children should be placed in each bedroom. The rooms should be warm, clean and provided with the necessary furniture. Each child has the right to his own bed and a personal space which could be locked. Bed clothes are to be changed once in 2 weeks, and for children with specific problems – when need be. The institutions have to be permanently supplied with cold and hot tap water. The food has to come in at least 3 meals and two light repasts per day. The personnel have to respect a daily schedule of outdoor activities. Any practice of children’s “standardising” is prohibited: dressing in identical clothes, identical haircuts. The administration has to encourage the visit of the children from the institution to friends who live in the community. The utilisation of any aggressive form of education is prohibited. A mail box should exist in each institution where the children could submit their proposals and suggestions.