Eurochild's Annual Report 2013

Page 1

ANNUAL REPORT

2013


Eurochild is a network of organisations and individuals working in and across Europe to promote the rights and wellbeing of children and young people. Our work is underpinned by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). In June 2013 the General Assembly endorsed our Strategic Plan 2014-2018. Here are our vision, mission, values and goals:

OUR VISION A society where children and young people grow up happy, healthy and confident and respected as individuals in their own right.

OUR MISSION To promote the rights and well-being of children and young people in Europe.

OUR VALUES Integrity - Good Governance - Partnership & Participation ÎÎ We are committed to putting children’s rights and well-being at the core of all our work. ÎÎ We are membership-driven. Members inform us, help us define our priorities, and enable us to achieve our goals. ÎÎ We are a learning organisation. We continually monitor and evaluate what we do and strive for excellence in all our work. ÎÎ We work in partnership. We seek external alliances to enhance our impact on the lives of children and young people. ÎÎ We are a listening organisation. We want the voices of children and young people to be heard, as well as those of people who are working with, and caring for, them.

OUR GOALS ÎÎ Putting children’s rights and well-being at the heart of policy making. ÎÎ Building a community of professionals that integrate children’s rights and well-being into their daily work. ÎÎ Giving a voice to children and young people. ÎÎ Changing the way society views and treats its children and young people. ÎÎ Developing the Eurochild network in order to deliver a powerful force for change.


INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 2013 was a key year in Eurochild’s development. At EU level, we saw a number of important policy shifts that open up opportunities for members advocacy at national level. The long-awaited EC Recommendation on ‘Investing in Children – Breaking the cycle of disadvantage’ was adopted as part of the Social Investment Package in February 2013. It promotes a child-rights based and integrated approach to tackling child poverty and promoting child well-being, building on many of Eurochild’s inputs over previous years. The EU also finally reached agreement of its 7-year budget. The Regulations make explicit reference to the need to invest in the transition from institutional to community-based care. They also introduce a ‘code of conduct’ requiring member states to consult with stakeholders including civil society. These and other EU developments mean that Eurochild’s greatest added-value is helping members leverage EU funds and policy to support their work at national level. The launch of the Europe-wide campaign ‘Opening Doors for Europe’s Children’ in June 2013, together with our partners Hope and Homes for Children, illustrates this shift. The campaign works with 12 national coordinators, who are supported in influencing how EU structural and pre-accession funds will be used. We believe this can be a critical catalyst to reforming child and family services and ending institutional care. Following a rich consultation with members, Eurochild adopted its new 5-year strategy (2014-2018) at the 2013 General Assembly – outlined on the inside cover. It paves the way for the network to continue to grow in size and influence. The renewal of our strategic partnership with DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion for a further 4-years is recognition of the important role the network has played, and continues to play, in bringing a children-centric perspective into EU policy debates. Thank you to all our members, partners, funders and allies, who are helping us to make a difference for children.

Dr. Maria Herczog Eurochild President, Chair of the Family, Child and Youth Association, Hungary & Member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

Jana Hainsworth Eurochild Secretary General

Eurochild 2013 Annual Report - 1


CONTENTS

CONTENTS I. INFLUENCING EU POLICY & ACTION 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Defending and mainstreaming children’s rights Fighting child poverty Europe 2020 EU budget Deinstitutionalisation Roma children

II. ENABLING EXCHANGE AND LEARNING AMONG MEMBERS

3 3 6 7 8 9 11 12

1. Family and parenting support 2. Children in alternative care 3. Early years education and care

12 13 13

III. SUPPORTING CHILDREN’S PARTICIPATION

14

1. Annual Conference 2013 2. Consultation on participatory methods with children & young people 3. Study on children’s participation in public decision making IV. STRENGTHENING THE EUROCHILD NETWORK 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Membership Working structures Information services Diversifying Eurochild’s income sources Strategic partnerships Our involvement in external alliances and networks

V. TEAM 1. Management board 2. Eurochild secretariat

14 15 15 16 16 16 17 18 18 19 20 16 16

VI. MEMBERS

23

VII. EUROCHILD ACTIVITIES

31

VIII. ACCOUNTS AND FUNDING

35

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INFLUENCING EU POLICY & ACTION

I. INFLUENCING EU POLICY & ACTION Eurochild is a member-driven network which aims to promote the rights and well-being of children in Europe. We do this through influencing policy at European level and supporting members’ action at national level. Our overarching theme is to defend and mainstream children’s rights, with a particular focus on fighting child poverty, promoting child well-being and ending institutional care. Members actively contribute through their engagement in the Europe 2020 semester process, the ‘Opening Doors for Europe’s Children’ campaign, the Policy Steering Group (PSG) and through regular consultations and dialogue. Thematic working groups (TWG) ensure our work is rooted in members’ practice and research. In 2013 three TWGs were active focusing on: Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), Family and Parenting Support (FPS), and Children in Alternative Care (CiAC). We also ran two ‘expert groups’ involving both members and external experts: one on EU law and children’s rights, the other on participatory methods for the inclusion of all children.

1. DEFENDING AND MAINSTREAMING CHILDREN’S RIGHTS Every year Eurochild analyses the performance (Scorecards) of the two 6-month EU presidencies in relation to their commitment to children’s rights. Promotion of child well-being was a clear priority for Cyprus (last half of 2012), which included prevention of child poverty, protection and access to adequate resources and services in its work. Some relevant pieces of legislation for children were concluded during the Irish Presidency (first half of 2013). However, Eurochild expressed its disappointment after the political deal reached with the European Parliament on the Multi-annual Financial Framework 2014-2020, which contained severe cuts on available funding for children.1 Following the 7th Annual EU Forum on Children’s Rights held in November 2012, Eurochild published its assessment and recommendations. Welcoming the many improvements compared to previous Fora, we also called for more political commitment, concrete measurable objectives and the development of a strategy for child participation.

1. Eurochild’s Assessments of EU Presidencies: Scorecards [ http://bit.ly/1q37KQn and http://bit.ly/1pj45xI ]

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INFLUENCING EU POLICY & ACTION

Our feedback was also sent to Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, and to Paul Nemitz, Director of Fundamental Rights and Citizenship at the European Commission.1 On Universal Children’s Day (20 November) Eurochild and UNICEF launched a European Child Rights Manifesto for the 2014 European elections in Strasbourg. The Manifesto, co-authored by 14 international and European child rights organisations, called on Members of the European Parliament to prioritise children more explicitly in EU policies, funding and legislation and for systematically assessing the impact of EU action on children.2 Eurochild also prepared a toolkit to help its members reach out to candidates in the European elections 2014. The document gives an overview of the election process of Members of the European Parliament (MEP), and summarises the key entry points during the election campaign to be able to secure child rights champions in the next legislature. “Our responsibility towards children is shared with the European Commission and member states, but as the only directly elected institution, members of the European Parliament bear a special duty to be champions of children’s rights.” Roberta Angelilli, Vice President of the European Parliament “ Today, none of the 20 standing committees of the European Parliament has an explicit responsibility for children and nobody tracks what share of the EU budget has been spent on them. “ Jana Hainsworth, Secretary General of Eurochild “Children are citizens with equal rights and responsibilities. Their respect must be a matter for everyone, and their violation considered a breach of human rights.” Maria Herczog, President of Eurochild and Member of the UNCRC Committee “As members of the European Parliament, children, especially the most vulnerable, need you to raise your voice for them to realise their rights, everywhere.” Yoka Brandt, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF The third annual Report on the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, published by the European Commission in May 2013, aimed to illustrate what has been done by EU’s executive body to ensure the effective application of the Charter. 1.  Letter to Viviane Reding [ http://bit.ly/1uWtehM ] 2.  Child Rights Manifesto website: www.childrightsmanifesto.eu

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INFLUENCING EU POLICY & ACTION

We assessed the Report from a child rights perspective and concluded that it should have a broader scope and address the rights of the child in a more comprehensive manner. To this end, we recommended to: 1. Ensure a comprehensive analysis and monitoring of children’s rights in EU policy and action 2. Develop a Framework for EU action on the rights of the child 3. Put in place mechanisms to mainstream children’s rights across the work of EU institutions Throughout 2013, Eurochild’s “Expert group on the impact of the Lisbon Treaty on Children’s Rights” looked at good practices in mainstreaming children’s rights in national policy and practice. The group’s results were published in a discussion paper to the EU in February 2014, including “7 steps for effective mainstreaming in the EU institutions” which the EU should take into account to ensure that children’s rights will be at the heart of EU’s policy-making. Eurochild participated as steering committee member in the coalition pushing for the ratification and implementation of the Third Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (OP3CRC). It will allow children to bring a complaint to the UN CRC Committee when States have violated or failed to protect their rights. At the first anniversary of the signing ceremony of the Third Optional Protocol an event was held in New York at the United Nations Headquarters. During the celebration, which was widely attended by members of diplomatic missions, UN staff and civil society organisations, Germany officially announced its ratification of the Protocol. After Germany’s ratification, Albania, Bolivia, Montenegro, Spain, Portugal and Slovakia, also accepted to be legally bound by the treaty. As of December 2013, a total of 9 countries had ratified the OP3CRC, and a further 36 states had signed. The coalition’s website www.ratifyop3crc.org provides information on the status of ratification and useful resources on advocating for OP3. It includes a child-friendly page and publications for children informing them of their rights and how the new protocol will work. “We urge all States to show their commitment to promoting and protecting children’s rights by ratifying this new treaty without delay so more children can access international justice.” Flore-Anne Bourgeois, Co-Chair of Ratify OP3CRC

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INFLUENCING EU POLICY & ACTION

2. FIGHTING CHILD POVERTY The long-awaited European Commission Recommendation “Investing in Children: Breaking the Cycle of Disadvantage” was adopted in February 2013. The same month, Eurochild and seven other organisations sent a letter to László Andor, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, presenting joint proposals for a roadmap to drive more effective implementation of the Recommendation.1 The Recommendation, which provides helpful guidance to Member States on how to tackle child poverty and promote children’s well-being, calls for a children’s rights approach and integrated strategies based on three pillars: • access to adequate resources, • access to affordable quality services and • children’s right to participate. Eurochild believes the document sends a strong signal to national and regional governments of the need to prioritise child poverty and well-being. In March 2013, we produced an assessment paper which aims to: • unwrap the Recommendation’s principles and translate them into policies and practices; • highlight opportunities for civil society organisations, including Eurochild members, to act at national and regional policy making level, using the tools and mechanisms Trey Ratcliff

available through the EU to influence and persuade governments.

In April, under the auspices of the Irish EU Presidency, we co-organised a political roundtable and seminar with UNICEF and EAPN, to strengthen cooperation among civil society organisations and to gather political commitment. We also launched the Explainer “Towards Children’s Well-Being in the EU” co-authored by Eurochild and EAPN. It aims to raise public awareness of child poverty in Europe and on the devastating effects it has on lives of children and families. The publication provides arguments and concrete solutions to prevent child poverty at EU, national, local and individual levels and aims to help stakeholders mobilise around implementation of the European Commission Recommendation.2

1.  Eurochild, ATD 4th World, Caritas Europa, Coface, EAPN, Eurodaconia, European Social Network and PICUM send letter to Commissioner Andor [ http://bit.ly/1kOiDCJ ] 2.  Eurochild and EAPN explainer “Towards Children’s Well-Being in the EU” [ http://bit.ly/1o9E4Bp ]

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INFLUENCING EU POLICY & ACTION

“Too many children are being confronted with daily hardship that should not be part of modern Europe. Our future depends on children growing up happy, healthy and confident. Governments need to invest where it matters most, and there is nothing that matters more than its children. We know what works, and we know what we want to achieve. There can be no more excuses for governments to drag their feet.” Jana Hainsworth, Secretary General, Eurochild

3. EUROPE 2020 Investing in education and fighting poverty are among the five targets addressed by the Europe 2020 strategy. Every year EU Member States are obliged to report to the EU on progress made towards these targets in their National Reform Programmes (NRPs). For a third consecutive year, Eurochild assessed these NRPs from a child rights point of view. We concluded that Member States have failed to prioritise child poverty and well-being, and have not put children at the heart of policy reforms. Furthermore, it was clear that much remained to be done to embed the European Commission’s Social Investment Package and, in particular, the Recommendation on Investing in Children at the heart of the Europe 2020 process.1 On 14 May, we joined forces with seven European Civil Society Organisations in an ad-hoc coalition to present country-specific recommendations (CSRs) for 2013 in the areas of employment, poverty, education, tax, environmental change and gender equality. We asked that social inclusion, sustainability and equality be core aims of the Economic and Monetary Union and Europe 2020 Strategy.

We also called for more effective multi-

stakeholder engagement in the whole European Semester process. The coalition’s CSRs are compiled in the joint report “Strengthening the democratic legitimacy of the European Semester. Civil Society Alternative Proposals for CSRs for a smart, sustainable and inclusive recovery, 2013-14”.

1.  The 2013 National Reform Programmes (NRPs) from a child poverty and well-being perspective [ http://bit.ly/SMJt2I ]

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INFLUENCING EU POLICY & ACTION

4. EU BUDGET We believe that investment in children is the only sustainable way of securing social and economic progress in the long term. In 2013, Eurochild welcomed the adoption of the EU budget 20142020 and called on all EU institutions and Member States to protect and defend the minimal budget allocated for children in future annual budget processes and the 2016 mid-term review. Because legal and policy commitments to children must be backed by adequate resources, we called on the EU to ensure that: 1. Investment of EU resources goes to promoting social inclusion and combating poverty, in particular child poverty. 2. Sufficient levels of funding go to the promotion of fundamental rights and citizenship, including children’s rights and child protection. 3. Development aid is at least 90% and that children are a priority in programming cycles. Eurochild, together with six other organisations, sent a joint letter to the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy on the EU Commission’s proposal for a new European Fund for Most Deprived Persons. In the letter, we called the European Council to allow Member States to use the Fund for responding to different types of deprivation, ensure a budget for the new programme separated from the European Social Fund, and guarantee the highest possible amount for the budget for the new programme.1

Digital Internet

In June, Eurochild and seven European networks, together with UNICEF, urged the Ministers at the EPSCO Council to promote measures focused on reducing child poverty and social exclusion. We highlighted that EU’s Structural Funds should be used strategically by Member States to inject much needed resources to reform policies and boost child and family services and integrated strategies. “In the current economic, financial and social hardship disproportionately affecting children and their families, every cent the EU can dedicate to investing in children is rebuilding trust in the European Union.” Jana Hainsworth, Secretary General, Eurochild

1.  Eurochild signed a joint letter with Caritas Europa, Eurodiaconia, EAPN, FEANTSA, FEBA, and the Red Cross EU Office [http://bit.ly/TIKRUS]

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INFLUENCING EU POLICY & ACTION

5. DEINSTITUTIONALISATION In

2013

Eurochild

launched

the

‘Opening

Doors for Europe’s Children’1 together with our strategic partners Hope and Homes for Children

and

with

support

from

the

OAK

Foundation. The campaign is active at EU level and in 12 European countries2 and aims to ensure full commitment from the EU and national governments to transition from institutional to family-based care – a process also known as deinstitutionalisation (DI). Across

Europe

hundreds

of

thousands

of

children are growing up in institutional care. The consequences are devastating for children, for their families and ultimately, for society as a whole.

Maria Herczog (President Eurochild), Jana Hainsworth (Secretary General Eurochild), MEP Mairead McGuinness, Delia Pop (Hope and Homes for Children, Director of Programmes)

This situation persists in spite of overwhelming evidence which demonstrates that a loving family environment is crucial to a child’s development and that family-based care is more effective than institutional care for children in the long term. The campaign was launched on 6th June 2013 at the European Parliament, hosted by Mairead McGuinness MEP. It was attended by leading experts in childcare reform, MEPs, care leavers and care workers. “The transition from institutional to family-based care has finally secured a place on the EU agenda. Now we have to make sure that national governments act to change the lives of hundreds of thousands of children across Europe.” MEP Mairead McGuinness Eurochild’s EU advocacy pays off: In November 2013 the European Parliament delivered a landmark decision for children. MEPs voted on the regulations that will govern the European Structural Funds for the next seven years - 325 billion Euros were secured to invest in cohesion policy in the period 2014-2020. Explicit references to deinstitutionalisation are now included in the Regulations on the European Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund. © Hope and Homes for Children 1.  Opening Doors for Europe’s Children www.openingdoors.eu 2.  Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine

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INFLUENCING EU POLICY & ACTION

This

follows

2013

of

the

adoption European

in

February

Commission

Recommendation ‘Investing in children, - breaking the cycle of disadvantage’, in which the Commission explicitly calls on Member States to “stop the expansion of

institutional

care

settings

for

children without parental care; and promote quality, community-based care and foster care within family settings instead, where children’s voice is given due consideration”. A key aim of the Opening Doors campaign is to build the capacity of civil society to advocate for deinstitutionalisation and make effective use of EU policy and funding influence. The national coordinators developed national advocacy strategies and adopted a monitoring and evaluation framework. Regular exchange meetings and training sessions were organised with national coordinators to support peer exchange and better understand EU opportunities.

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INFLUENCING EU POLICY & ACTION

6. ROMA CHILDREN From

Eurochild’s

perspective,

protecting

and

promoting the rights of Roma children is key to longterm social change. To mark 2013 International Roma Day, we published the report “Breaking the cycle of Roma exclusion - The situation of Roma children & promising practices that promote children’s rights and well-being”. The study analyses the situation of Roma children and brings together some examples of initiatives that have had a demonstrable positive impact on children and their families.1 On the occasion of the European Platform for Roma Inclusion, Eurochild and ERIO (the European Roma Information Office) adopted a joint statement urging the EU and the Member States to prioritise the rights and well-being of Roma children.

Rachel Titiriga

In November 2013, the Maria case caught global media attention. For Eurochild this case was symptomatic of deep rooted poverty and discrimination faced by Roma communities throughout Europe. It also highlighted the dysfunctions within child protection and social welfare systems which often serve to alienate and disempower impoverished families – particularly Roma. Along with our Greek and Bulgarian members, we called for stronger EU action to support member states investment in social welfare and child protection reforms, emphasising the need to strengthen and empower families and give a voice to the children themselves. “Contemporary policies and resolutions often focus on the symptoms of the Roma children’s malaise but not on the actual underlying cause of all their issues: discrimination and anti-Gypsyism. This is what should be tackled first.” Ivan Ivanov, ERIO Executive Director “In implementing the Recommendation investing in children, Roma children must feature prominently across the three pillars for action: access to adequate resources, access to quality services and improving children’s participation.” Jana Hainsworth, Secretary General, Eurochild

1.  Report on Roma Inclusion & Children’s Rights [ http://bit.ly/Sq4vEh ]

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ENABLING EXCHANGE AND LEARNING AMONG MEMBERS

II. ENABLING EXCHANGE AND LEARNING AMONG MEMBERS 1. FAMILY AND PARENTING SUPPORT

“Grandparents as carers - Trends and support services in Europe”: Round table at launch event in April 2013

On 24 April, preceding the European Day of Solidarity between Generations, Eurochild and AGE Platform Europe organised a round table debate on “Grandparents as carers - Trends and support services in Europe”. The event launched the Eurochild report1 which provides an overview of family policies with relevance to grandparents across EU countries and identifies key policies that strengthen and support the role of extended families. It also profiles what Eurochild members and partners are doing to support grandparents. Following the fourth EU Demography Forum on 6-7 May 2013 the European Commission hosted our policy round table organized in partnership with UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre. Focusing on “Family and parenting support in challenging times” we aimed to promote a wider understanding of what family and parenting support is, what’s needed to support parenting, what have been learnt and how we can put those lessons into practice.2

1.  “Grandparents as carers - Trends and support services in Europe” [ http://bit.ly/1h48fH2 ] 2.  “Family and parenting support in challenging times” [ http://bit.ly/Sy8VJ8 ]

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ENABLING EXCHANGE AND LEARNING AMONG MEMBERS

2. CHILDREN IN ALTERNATIVE CARE Children growing up in care or at risk of being taken into care are among the most vulnerable in Europe. In January, we published the report from Eurochild’s 9th Annual Conference “Promoting the rights of children in alternative care across Europe”, which took place from 24-26 October 2012 in Sofia, Bulgaria.1The event drew attention to the issue of deinstitutionalisation - the closing down of institutions for children and transformation of children’s services – a political priority in Bulgaria today. It looked at how to ensure the best interest of the child is at the heart of all decisionmaking regarding children’s care. Together with our partners Hope and Homes for Children, we formally launched our Eurochild campaign on deinstitutionalisation called “Opening Doors for Europe’s Children”. The campaign operates at EU level and in 12 countries across Europe, calling on the EU and national governments to prioritise the transition from institutional to family-based care.2 Eurochild worked alongside other organisations to promote the UN Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children, for example calling on member states of the UN General Assembly to focus its 2014 Resolution on the rights of the child, strengthening family care and providing appropriate alternative care for children.

3. EARLY YEARS EDUCATION AND CARE Eurochild published its report of the Policy Round Table on Quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) organised in November 2012 in Leiden (Netherlands) in cooperation with member organisation International Childhood Development Initiatives (ICDI). We highlighted that the UNCRC is a cornerstone for the development of a European Quality Framework (EQF) for ECEC based on principles, such as equity, inclusion, integrity, active participation children, and respect for diversity. Eurochild also stressed that the European Commission plays a central role in the development and monitoring of the EQF and that it should support member states in reaching its objectives.3

1.  Annual Conference Report “Promoting the rights of children in alternative care across Europe” [ http://bit.ly/SyCQRa ] 2.  Find out more about our “Opening Doors” campaign on page 9. 3.  Quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) [ http://bit.ly/1qsI511 ]

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SUPPORTING CHILDREN’S PARTICIPATION

III. SUPPORTING CHILDREN’S PARTICIPATION 1. ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2013 Eurochild held its 10th Annual Conference in Milan (Italy) from 1315 November 2013 on the topic of “Building an inclusive Europe – the contribution of children’s participation”. It was organised in the context of the 2013 European Year of Citizenship with the aim of increasing recognition of children’s agency, empowerment and influence on their own lives, their families and communities, and on society as a whole as citizens. The conference sought to bring examples of policy and practice that demonstrate the specific contribution of children’s participation in the fields of Education, Non- formal education, Health, the Child protection system and Public decision making. The conference hoped to give meaning to the ‘participation’ pillar of the 2013 European Commission’s Recommendation “Investing in Children” and build on the 2012 Council of Europe Recommendation on the participation of children and young people.1 A parallel event bringing together young people from six countries took place alongside Eurochild’s Annual Conference 2013 in Milan: “V.Y.P: Valuing Young People’s Participation”. During the meeting young people talked about improving youth participation and giving children a voice across Europe. The young people had their own activity programme but also participated at several points during the Annual Conference to engage in discussions with adults and other young people. V.Y.P’s comments, conclusions and recommendations are published on our website.2

1.  Find the conference report here http://bit.ly/AC2013-report 2.  http://eurochildannualconference2013.org/en/vyp/

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SUPPORTING CHILDREN’S PARTICIPATION

2. CONSULTATION ON PARTICIPATORY METHODS WITH CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE In 2012 we launched a consultation to engage our members and other organisations in a dialogue about child participation and what Eurochild can do to support the development of participatory methods with children and young people. Last year, we published a summary with the replies received and the respondents described that their work together with young people is performed in many different ways depending on the objective and the age of children. They also highlighted that one of the main challenges they face is making children’s voices heard, as well as lack of value given by local authorities to participation.

3. STUDY ON CHILDREN’S PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC DECISION MAKING Eurochild concluded a project for the Belgium Walloon-Brussels Federation on the participation of children in public decision making. Work included a desk research on examples of children’s participation in decision making across the world and the development of a vade mecum – “Why should I involve children?” targeted at local, regional and national authorities, as well as NGOs, on how to implement children’s participation in public decision-making. The final output is a scenario for involving children in the development, monitoring and evaluation of the Action Plan 2015-2018 of the Wallonian-Brussels Federation on the rights of the child, currently being piloted.

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STRENGTHENING THE EUROCHILD NETWORK

IV. STRENGTHENING THE EUROCHILD NETWORK 1. MEMBERSHIP At Eurochild’s General Assembly 2013, the network had 119 full members, 42 associate members and 1 honorary member. Six organisations were subsequently provisionally approved by the Management Board, awaiting endorsement by the General Assembly in June 2014. Eurochild covers 35 countries across Europe, including all EU Member States. Non-EU countries include Iceland, FYR of Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland & Ukraine. We even have an associate member in Canada!1

2. WORKING STRUCTURES In 2013 members actively participated in 3 different types of working group: 1. The thematic working groups are membership led and focus on early childhood education and care, family and parenting support, children in alternative care. 2. Reference

or

expert

groups

involve both members and external experts and are set up on request of the management board. The reference group on participatory methods for children and young people was renewed for a further year in June 2013. The expert group on children’s rights concluded its work in June 2013. A reference group on ‘Learning for Wellbeing’ was constituted and met for the first time in October 2013 and will run until end 2014.

Map of National Partner Networks

1.  Number reflecting withdrawals and new members endorsed by the General Assembly in 2013.

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STRENGTHENING THE EUROCHILD NETWORK

3. Following appointment of National Partner Networks in the General Assembly 2013, the Policy Steering Group became the place where they meet to exchange learning and ensure Eurochild’s link to national child rights advocacy. At the 2012 General Assembly members adopted a new membership typology including a category for National Partner Networks (NPNs). NPNs are strong representative child rights networks who are crucial to strengthing Eurochild’s voice in Brussels and the Member States capitals. NPNs play an important role in making the link between EU and national/regional policies relevant for children and young people. Following a detailed self-assessment and external evaluation, 16 organisations or coalitions were recommended and approved as National Partner Networks to the 2013 General Assembly. The General Assembly 2013 also approved our 5-year Strategic Plan 20142018. You can find our updated Vision, Mission, Values and Goals on the inside cover page.

3. INFORMATION SERVICES Eurochild website (www.eurochild.org) is a window to our policy work, partnerships, projects and publications. Every year, statistics show an increase in page views and in the number of new visitors. In 2013, we doubled this number, obtaining an increase of 10% in views and a 6% in new users. The power and influence of social media is on the rise. As of December 2013, we had more than 3,680 followers on Facebook and Twitter, which means 780 new fans in one year. Our YouTube channel has 56 subscribers and more than 135,000 views.1 Eurochild’s weekly Info Flash is sent out every Friday to Eurochild members and includes news from the Secretariat, EU policy and programmes and member news, events and projects. Our external communication vehicle is the monthly e-News Bulletin, which includes the highlights of the month. Last year, we produced 44 Info Flash and 11 e-News Bulletins. Our e-mailing list grew to 4,540 recipients.

1.  Eurochild on Facebook [ http://on.fb.me/13zsWjN ], Twitter [ http://bit.ly/12ijfIh ] and YouTube [ http://bit.ly/11whxhC ]

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STRENGTHENING THE EUROCHILD NETWORK

4. DIVERSIFYING EUROCHILD INCOME SOURCES 2013 was a year of transition. It marked the end of the 3-year strategic partnership (2011-2013) with DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Funding under the successor to the Progress programme was confirmed in December 2013, following an open call during the summer. The adoption of Eurochild’s 5-year strategic plan and our successful application for a 4-year strategic partnership with the European Commission, gives the network a solid foundation for funding in the future. A fundraising strategy is prioritised for 2014.

5. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS Eurochild continued to strengthen its strategic partnership with Hope and Homes for Children through the joint launch of the Opening Doors for Europe’s Children campaign in June 2013. This first phase of the campaign will run until mid-2015, supporting transformation in 12 European countries. The creation of the reference group on Learning for Well-being gave form to Eurochild’s collaboration with the Universal Education Foundation, with a view to a strategic partnership in 2014. Eurochild successfully secured a renewal of its strategic partnership with DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. We worked in close collaboration with colleagues at the European Commission across a number of dossiers, not least that of promoting implementation of the Recommendation on Investing in Children.

18 - Eurochild 2013 Annual Report


STRENGTHENING THE EUROCHILD NETWORK

6. OUR INVOLVEMENT IN EXTERNAL ALLIANCES AND NETWORKS A core value of Eurochild is to work in partnership. We seek external alliances to enhance our impact on the lives of children and young people. Eurochild is a member of the Social Platform - the largest platform of European rights and value-based NGOs working in the social sector. In 2013, Eurochild Secretary General Jana Hainsworth was elected as member of the management committee for a 2-year term. We are also member of the European Anti-Poverty Network – which in addition to its national networks of anti-poverty NGOs and grassroot groups, has several more specialised European Organisations in membership. Eurochild took an active role in the European Expert Group on the transition from institutional to communitybased care – a coalition of organisations united by the mission of promoting person-centred, individualised, quality and empowering models of services and formal and informal care. Jana Hainsworth co-chaired the group until May 2013 together with Luk Zelderloo, Secretary General of the European Association of Service Providers for People with Disabilities, and Jan Jarab, Regional Representative of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Mafalda Leal, Senior Policy Coordinator, also participated as steering committee member in the coalition pushing for the ratification and implementation of the Third Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (OP3CRC). Eurochild also cooperates closely with international and European child rights organisations and UNICEF at Brussels level. For example we co-authored the Child Rights Manifesto which calls on candidates for the European Parliament to make a commitment to be a Child Rights Champion.

Eurochild 2013 Annual Report - 19


TEAM

V. TEAM 1. MANAGEMENT BOARD The Management Board is responsible for the overall strategic development of Eurochild. Its members need to be elected by the General Assembly. During the General Assembly in June 2013, President Maria Herczog and Treasurer Pauline Leeson were unanimously re-elected and will serve for another full term of 3 years. Management Board members Kelig Puyet and Ivano Abbruzzi were also re-elected for a second term of 3 years. Otto Sestak was elected as a new member, replacing Marie Gustafsson from the Örebro Regional Development Council, Sweden who had completed her second 3-year term. The 2013 Management Board comprises (from left to right) • Maria Herczog, Family Child Youth Association, Hungary, President • Pauline Leeson, Children in Northern Ireland, UK, Treasurer • Otto Sestak, Hope and Homes for Children, Romania • Kelig Puyet, SOS Children’s Villages International • Ivano Abruzzi, Albero della Vita, Italy • George Bogdanov, National Network for Children, Bulgaria • Hanna Heinonen, Central Union for Child Welfare, Finland

20 - Eurochild 2013 Annual Report


TEAM

2. EUROCHILD SECRETARIAT In 2013, the Eurochild Brussels secretariat employed the following staff members: • Secretary General: Jana Hainsworth • Policy Director: Janina Arsenjeva • Senior Policy Coordinator – Children’s Rights and Child Participation: Mafalda Leal • Senior Policy Coordinator – Policy, Research and Practice: Agata D’Addato • Advocacy and Campaigns Coordinator: Michela Costa • Advocacy and Parliamentary Officer: Reka Tunyogi • Information and Communications Officer: Björn Becker • Membership and Marketing Officer: Marie Dubit • Finance & Office Manager: Monique Kesteloot • Events and Projects Assistant: Agnieszka Pietruczuk The Secretariat hosts trainees on a regular basis to support the policy and information and communication work. • Policy Interns: Nicoleta Popstoeva, Andrea Witt • Communications Interns: Anna “Nali” Espin, Federico Lanzo

Eurochild 2013 Annual Report - 21


TEAM

Eurochild also relies on external advisors and consultants. In particular we would like to thank: • Mieke Schuurman for her work with the national partner networks and the study on mainstreaming child rights in EU policy, legislation and funding • Amanda Dunkin for helping the team move forward on fundraising and re-branding • Marc God for being a passionate and patient team coach • Juliet Ramage for her work with the family and parenting support working group • Chris Stalker for advising the ‘Opening Doors’ campaign on effective advocacy • Dan Moxon for facilitating the VYP part of our annual conference • Hugh Frazer for continuing to support all our work on getting children more visible in the European semester • Laura Lundy and Helen Stalford for drafting the background paper on children’s participation for our Annual Conference • Ed Thorpe editor of our study on grandparents as carers, and our annual conference report • Joy Hadden for the scoping study on early years and structural funds • Kinga Veres and Daria Crimella for supporting logistics for the annual conference in Milan • Carmen Epure and Antoine Saint-Denis for their work in coordinating the European expert group on the transition from institutional to community- and family-based care • Dominique Danau our excellent external evaluator • Kalle Mattsson and Veronique Geubelle for designing visuals and layouting texts • Sophie Degroote for taking photos at our events • Alain Hacon our accountant

22 - Eurochild 2013 Annual Report


MEMBERS

VI. MEMBERS 1. NATIONAL PARTNER NETWORKS Belgium Child Rights Coalition Flanders (associate member) - www.kinderrechtencoalitie.be Bulgaria National Network for Children Association (full member) - www.nmd.bg Croatia Coordination of Associations for Children (full member) - www.kud.hr Cyprus Pancyprian Coordinating Committee for the Protection and Welfare of Children (full member) - pccpwc.org Denmark Joint Council for Child Issues (Bornesagens Faellesrad) (full member) - www.boernesagen.dk Finland Central Union for Child Welfare Finland (full member) - www.lskl.fi France National Federation of Associations for Child Protection - France (full member) - www.cnape.fr Germany Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Kinder- und Jugendhilfe (full member) - www.agj.de Ireland Children’s Rights Alliance Ireland (full member) - www.childrensrights.ie Romania Federation of NGOs Romania (full member) - www.fonpc.ro Serbia Network of Organisations for Children of Serbia - MODS (associate member) - www.zadecu.org The Netherlands Dutch Children’s Rights Coalition, represented by Defence for Children International - The Netherlands (full member) – www.defenceforchildren.nl United Kingdom Children England (full member) - www.childrenengland.org.uk Children in Northern Ireland (full member) - www.ci-ni.org.uk Children in Scotland (full member) - www.childreninscotland.org.uk Children in Wales (full member) - www.childreninwales.org.uk

Eurochild 2013 Annual Report - 23


MEMBERS

2. INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS Austria SOS Children’s Villages International (full member) - www.sos-childrensvillages.org Belgium Alliance for Childhood European Network Group (associate member) - www.allianceforchildhood.eu Diversity in Early Childhood Education and Training (full member) - www.decet.org Dyslexia International - Sharing expertise (full member) - www.dyslexia-international.org European Alliance of Initiatives for Applied Antroposophy (full member) - www.eliant.eu Germany European Network of Masters in Children’s Rights (full member) - www.enmcr.net European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation Youth (full member) - www.engso.com Sweden International Association for Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood Education (full member) - www.iaswece.org World Organisation for Early Childhood Education (candidate full member) - www.omep.org.gu.se Switzerland EACH European Association for Children in Hospital (full member) - www.each-for-sick-children.org The Netherlands Child Helpline International (full member) - www.childhelplineinternational.org International Child Development Initiatives (full member) - www.icdi.nl International Step by Step Association (ISSA) (full member) - www.issa.nl Universal Education Foundation (full member) - www.learningforwell-being.org United Kingdom Core Assets Ltd (full member) - www.coreassets.com European Child Safety Alliance (full member) - www.childsafetyeurope.org European Council for Steiner Waldorf Education (full member) - www.ecswe.org Home-Start Worldwide (full member) - www.homestartworldwide.org International Foster Care Organisation (full member) - www.ifco.info 3. NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS Austria Vorarlberger Kinderdorf GmbH (full member) - www.kinderdorf.cc Belgium Youth organisation Den Tube - Neighbourhood Centre ‘t Lampeke (full member) - www.dentube.lampeke.be

24 - Eurochild 2013 Annual Report


MEMBERS

Bulgaria Animus Association Foundation (full member) - www.animusassociation.org Cedar Foundation (full member) - www.cedarfoundation.org For our Children (full member) - www.detebg.org Karin Dom Foundation (full member) - www.karindom.org Social Activities and Practices Institute (full member) - www.sapibg.org Croatia Society “Our Children” Opatija (full member) - www.dnd-opatija.hr Union of Societies “Our Children” Croatia (full member) - www.savez-dnd.hr Czech Republic In the Interest of the Child, the Civic Association (full member) - www.vzd.cz Denmark Family and Evidence Center Denmark (full member) - www.fec-dk.dk LOS – Private social services (full member) - www.los.dk Estonia Child Advocacy Chamber (associate member) Estonian Union for Child Welfare (full member) - www.lastekaitseliit.ee Family for Each Child (full member) - www.kasupered.ee Tallinn Children Support Centre (full member) - www.lastetugi.ee Finland Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (full member) - www.mll.fi Pesäpuu Ry - Centre of Expertise in Child Welfare (full member) - www.pesapuu.fi The Finnish Children’s Parliament Association (full member) - www.lastenparlamenttiyhdistys.fi France Association Exhalessence (associate member) Association for Equal Chances Nord Pas de Calais (full member) Association Samuel Vincent (full member) Comité National de Solidarité Laïque (full member) - www.solidarite-laique.asso.fr Fondation des Apprentis d’Auteuil (full member) - www.fondation-auteuil.org FYR of Macedonia First Children’s Embassy in the World - Megjashi (full member) - www.childrensembassy.org.mk Germany Journeys, distance, adventure (full member) - www.fahrten-ferne-abenteuer.de

Eurochild 2013 Annual Report - 25


MEMBERS

Greece European Network of Women - Greece (full member) - www.enow.gr Freedom Gate Greece (associate member) Iliachtida - Association for Children and Family (full member) - www.iliachtida.gr Roots Research Center NGO (full member) - www.roots-research-center.gr The Smile of the Child (full member) - www.hamogelo.gr Hungary Family, Child, Youth Association (full member) - www.csagyi.hu Former State Fostered Children’s Association (full member) - www.vagoe.extra.hu National Association of Large Families (full member) - www.noe.hu Ireland Centre for Effective Services (full member) - www.effectiveservices.org One Family (full member) - www.onefamily.ie Start Strong (full member) - www.startstrong.ie Italy Amici dei Bambini (full member) - www.aibi.it CIFA (associate member) - www.cifaong.it Fondazione L’Albero della Vita ONLUS (full member) - www.alberodellavita.org Il Grillo Parlante Sociat Cooperativa Sociale (full member) - www.ilgrilloparlante.biz Intermedia Consulting NGO (full member) - www.intermediaconsulting.org Patrizio Paoletti Foundation for the development and communication (full member) - www.fondazionepatriziopaoletti.com Latvia Children’s Forum of Latvia (full member) - www.bernuforums.lv Lithuania Human Rights monitoring institute (full member) - www.hrmi.lt Save the Children Lithuania (candidate full member) - www.gelbvaik.lt Poland ITAKA Foundation Centre for Missing People (full member) - www.zaginieni.pf Nobody’s Children Foundation (full member) - www.fdn.pl One World Association (full member) - www.jedenswiat.org Portugal CEBI - Foundation to Communitarian Development (full member) - www.fcebi.org Romania Hope and Homes for Children Romania (full member) - www.hhc.ro OvidiuRo (full member) - www.ovid.ro

26 - Eurochild 2013 Annual Report


MEMBERS

Russia Charity Foundation for Support of Youth Initiatives “My Generation” (full member) - www.moe-pokolenie.ru Serbia Association for Development of Children and Youth – OPEN CLUB (full member) - www.oknis.org.rs Child Rights Center (full member) - www.cpd.org.rs Children and Youth Support Organisation - Pomoc Deci (full member) - www.pomocdeci.com Slovakia Coalition for Children - Slovakia (associate member) National Centre for Equal Opportunities (full member) - www.ncrp.sk Slovenia Association for Children and Parents SEZAM (full member) - www.zdruzenje-sezam.si Spain Federació d’Entitats d’Atenció a la Infancia i a l’Adolescència (FEDAIA) (full member) - www.fedaia.org Fundaçión Montessori sin Fronteras (associate member) - fmsf.eu Vallecas Out-of-School Coordination Project (full member) - www.asociaciones.org/coordinadora Sweden JUNIS (full member) - www.junis.org Swedish Remarkable Parent’s NGO, Single Parents Association (full member) - www.makalosa.org The Association for Promotion of Family Centers (full member) - www.familjecentraler.se The Netherlands Bureau Mutant (full member) - www.mutant.nl Eigen Kracht Centrale (associate member) - www.eigen-kracht.nl Netherlands Youth Institute (full member) - www.nji.nl Ukraine EveryChild Ukraine (full member) - www.everychild.org.ua Hope and Homes for Children Ukraine (full member) - www.hopeandhomes.org.ua United Kingdom Absolute Return for Kids (full member) - www.arkonline.org British Association for Adoption and Fostering (full member) - www.baaf.org.uk Children and Families Across Borders (full member) - www.cfab.org.uk Children’s Rights Alliance for England (full member) - www.crae.org.uk Child-to-Child (candidate full member) - www.child-to-child.org Daybreak Family Group Conferences (full member) - www.daybreakfgc.org.uk Fara Foundation (full member) - www.faracharity.org Lifestart Foundation (full member) - www.lifestartfoundation.org

Eurochild 2013 Annual Report - 27


MEMBERS

National Children’s Bureau (full member) - www.ncb.org.uk Parenting NI (full member) - www.pachelp.org The Early Years Organisation (full member) - www.early-years.org Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights) (full member) - www.togetherscotland.org.uk 4. PUBLIC/STATUTORY BODY Belgium Kind en Gezin (associate member) - www.kindengezin.be PPS Social Integration, Anti-Poverty Policy, Social Economy and Federal Urban Policy (associate member) - www.mi-is.be Hungary Office of the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights, Dr. Laszlo Szekely (associate member) - www.obh.hu Italy Education, School and Family Services - Ferrara City Council - Bambini in Europa Documentation Centre (full member) - www.ferrara.comune.fe.it Luxembourg Ombuds - Comité for the Rights of the Child (full member) - www.ork.lu Malta Foundation for Social Welfare Services (full member) - www.appogg.gov.mt Maltese Commissioner for Children (full member) - www.tfal.org.mt Sweden Örebro Regional Development Council (full member) - www.regionorebro.se United Kingdom Health and Social Care Board (candidate full member) - www.hscboard.hscni.net 5. ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS Belgium Expoo - Flemish Expertise Centre on Parenting Support (full member) - www.expoo.be VBJK, Ressource and Research Centre for Early Childhood Care and Education (full member) - www.vbjk.be Bulgaria Know-how Centre for Alternative Care for Children, New Bulgarian University (full member) - knowhowcentre.nbu.bg/ Cyprus Center for the Study of Childhood and Adolescence (full member) - www.csca.org.cy

28 - Eurochild 2013 Annual Report


MEMBERS

Iceland Centre for Children and Family Research (associate member) - www.rbf.is Poland Department of Applied Sociology and Social Work - University of Lodz (associate member) - www.eksoc.uni.lodz.pl Slovenia Social Protection Institute of the Republic of Slovenia - Child Observatory (full member) - www.irssv.si Spain Research Team : Intervention - Faculty of Psychology and Education - Universidad de Deusto (full member) - www. deusto.es Sweden ICU- I see You Interest in Children, Youth and their Understandings (associate member) - www.mdh.se United Kingdom Department of Applied Social Research, University of Bedfordshire, (full member) - www.beds.ac.uk European Children’s Rights Unit (full member) - www.liv.ac.uk/law/research/european-childrens-rights-unit/about Institute for the Study of Children Families and Social Issues. (full member) - www.iscfsi.bbk.ac.uk The Centre for Children and Young People’s Participation, School of Social Work, University of Central Lancashire (candidate full member) - www.uclan.ac.uk/cypp UNESCO Centre (full member) - www.unescocentre.ulster.ac.uk 6. INDIVIDUALS Austria Ms Sharon Schneider (associate member) Belgium Mr Alessandro Negro (associate member) Mr Fred Deven (associate member) Ms Dale Kabasinskaite (associate member) Canada Ms Roxana Carmen Girip (associate member) Czech Republic Ms Lucie Sanderova (associate member) Finland Ms Leena Andonov (associate member) Ms Maarit Kuikka (associate member)

Eurochild 2013 Annual Report - 29


MEMBERS

France Mr John Bennet (associate member) Mr Philippe Roux (associate member) Mrs Anne Williams (associate member) Ms Florence Grandvalet (associate member) Ms Mariama Diallo (associate member) Ireland Mr Hugh Frazer (associate member) Mr Seamus Mannion (associate member) Lithuania Mr Dainius Puras (associate member) Ms Austeja Landsbergiene (associate member) Portugal Mr Sergio AraĂşjo (associate member) Romania Ms Anna Muntean (associate member) The Netherlands Mr John Vijghen (associate member) Ms Mieke Schuurman (associate member) United Kingdom Professor Sir Albert Aynsley-Green (candidate associate member) Mr John Fitzgerald (associate member) Mr John H. Mc Kendrick (associate member) Mr Mathias Urban (associate member) Mr Peter Johnstone (associate member) Ms Sarah Milan (associate member) 7. HONORARY MEMBERS Belgium Mr Eugene Verhellen (honorary member)

NOTE: Candidate members are still to be endorsed by the General Assembly in June 2014

30 - Eurochild 2013 Annual Report


EUROCHILD ACTIVITIES

VII. EUROCHILD ACTIVITIES

E Event

N

News

D

Docs

P

Press release

JANUARY 2013 N 18 - Cyprus EU Presidency showed leadership on children’s rights D 22 - Annual Conference 2012 - Conference Report - “Promoting the Rights of Children in Alternative care across Europe” N 29 - The European Commission & Children’s Rights: more can be done

FEBRUARY 2013

General Assembly Eurochild June 2013

N 1 - Fund for European Aid for the most Deprived: Joint letter to Van Rompuy D 1 - Open Letter to Commissioner Andor: EU Networks Proposals for implementing the Child Poverty and Well-Being Recommendation D 6 - Joint letter to European Council European Fund for Most Deprived N 8 - What has to happen after the Child Poverty Recommendation is out? N 20 - Eurochild’s reaction on the Child Poverty Recommendation: Invest in Children now! P 20 - EU takes action to end child poverty: now over to national and regional governments… P 21 - Eurochild’s reaction on the Child Poverty Recommendation D 28 - Report of the Policy Round Table on Quality ECEC, November 2012 in Leiden, NL

MARCH 2013 D 21 - Overall assessment of the European Commission Recommendation “Investing in children: breaking the cycle of disadvantage” & suggestions for implementation at national level N 28 - Eurochild assessed European Commission Recommendation on child poverty

Eurochild 2013 Annual Report - 31


EUROCHILD ACTIVITIES

APRIL 2013 N 4 - Invest in Children. Now! N 8 - Eurochild publishes Report on Roma Inclusion & Children’s Rights to mark International Roma Day N 9 - Eurochild & EAPN Explainer “Towards Children’s Well-Being in the EU” N 10 - What is child poverty? E 10 - Taking action to fight child poverty and to promote child wellbeing P 10 - INVEST IN CHILDREN. NOW! N 24 - Grandparents as Carers - Trends & Support Services in Europe E 24 - Round table debate on Grandparents as carers - Trends and support services in Europe N 29 - 29th of April is the European Day of Solidarity between Generations

MAY 2013 E 7 - Eurochild & UNESCO Policy Round Table on Family and Parenting Support E 14 - Civil Society proposals for smart, sustainable and inclusive recovery D 14 - Strengthening the democratic legitimcay of the European Semenster - Civil Societies proposals for smart, sustainable and

General Assembly Eurochild June 2013

inclusive recovery - Alternative Country-Specific Recommendations 2013-2014

JUNE 2013 N 1 - Bulgarian Network for Children (NNC) launched project “Better Networking For Welfare Of Children”

32 - Eurochild 2013 Annual Report


EUROCHILD ACTIVITIES

D 1 - Report of the Policy Round Table “Family and parenting support in challenging times” (Eurochild and UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, 7 May 2013, Brussels) P 4 - Opening Doors for Europe’s Children - Campaign launch puts the spotlight on ending institutional care in Europe N 6 - Eurochild and Hope and Homes for Children launched DI campaign E 6 - Opening Doors for Europe’s Children N 19 - Investing in children is key to Europe’s future N 27 - Roma Children are Europe an citizens too!

JULY 2013 N 11 - Break the cycle of disadvantage and invest in children D 11 - Children’s wellbeing requires actions beyond child policy - Coordinate all policies affecting children’s lives and ensure sufficient financial support for their effectiveness (Informal EPSCO Council, Vilnius, Lithuania, 11-12 July 2013)

AUGUST 2013 D 22 - Joint statement on the 2014 UN General Assembly resolution on the rights of the child

SEPTEMBER 2013 D 3 - Children’s Rights Action Group (CRAG): Invest in Children through the EU Budget 2014-2020 N 6 - Invest in Children through the EU Budget 20142020 N 9 - Member States must do more to fight child poverty D 9 - The 2013 National Reform Programmes (NRP) from a child poverty and well-being perspective P 9 - Member States must do more to fight child poverty N 23 - Eurochild sends Open Letter to NGOs active in Greece

Meeting in Bucharest November 2013

Eurochild 2013 Annual Report - 33


EUROCHILD ACTIVITIES

OCTOBER 2013 P 16 - Poverty through the eyes of children E 23 - The Unfolding Conference

NOVEMBER 2013 N 6 - The Maria case highlights the poverty and

discrimination

faced

by

Roma

Manifesto Launch in Strasbourg November 2013

throughout Europe E 6 - Human Inner Design P 7 - The Maria case reveals deeply flawed child protection systems – EU needs to take up its role D 8 - Consultation on Participatory Methods with Children & Young People E 13 - Annual Conference 2013: Building an inclusive Europe – the contribution of children’s participation N 20 - Eurochild on Cohesion policy breakthrough E 20 - Championing children’s rights in Europe: A European Manifesto P 20 - Eurochild & UNICEF PRESS RELEASE: Call on the European Parliament to be a global Child Rights Champion P 20 - Eurochild on Cohesion policy breakthrough N 21 - Historic opportunity to end institutional care in Europe N 21 - CRAG welcomes the adoption of EU Budget 2014-2020: Deliver now and invest in children! E 26 - The contribution of the EC Recommendation “Investing in Children” to improving policy and practice N 28 - Deinstitutionalisation: HHC Romania opens doors for Europe’s Children

DECEMBER 2013 D 13 - Assessment of the third EC Report on the application of the EU Charter on Fundamental Rights

34 - Eurochild 2013 Annual Report


ACCOUNTS AND FUNDING

VIII. ACCOUNTS AND FUNDING

INCOME STATEMENT

2012

2013

INCOME Membership fees

58.177

62.140

EC Progress grant

801.567

892.715

Co-funding for Progress Actions 164.719

164.719

233.107

Other project grants

68.147

63.959

Donation

13.000

400

Interests

1.347

82

1.106.957

1.252.403

Operating expenses (excluding interim)

583.145

659.304

Payroll (including interim)

530.978

594.085

2.655

0

840

1.252

1.117.618

1.254.641

-10.660

-2.238

Income total

EXPENDITURE

Taxes Financial expenses

Expenditure total

OPERATING RESULT

Eurochild 2013 Annual Report - 35


ACCOUNTS AND FUNDING

BALANCE SHEET

2012

2013

ASSETS Fixed assets

18.758

15.037

5.955

38.589

50.078

19.660

158.358

95.686

71.470

43.200

0

329

7.000

8.371

Cash & Bank

98.375

154.626

Assets total

409.994

375.496

42.933

40.695

172.955

98.463

1.200

1.200

192.906

235.138

Trade Account payables

82.348

77.372

Trade accruals

7.188

26.438

Other payables

54.152

17.844

Accrued expenses

0

0

Social liabilities

49.218

113.484

409.994

375.496

Trade accounts receivable Other receivables Progress grant Advances to partners for projects Deferred expenses Accrued incomes

LIABILITIES Equity (own funds) Grants Fixed liabilities Current Liabilities

Liabilities total

36 - Eurochild 2013 Annual Report


Editor: Jana Hainsworth

JOIN US Eurochild is open to all organisations and individuals with an interest in the rights and well-being of children and young people in Europe and a commitment to the full implementation of the UNCRC. Type of membership: • National organisations • International organisations / networks • Academic and research institutions • Public / statutory bodies • Child and youth-led organisations • Individuals (can only be associate members) Membership benefits: 1. Information services: weekly newsletter, access to members-only webpages, dissemination & promotion of your activities,… 2. Networking & exchange: participation in Eurochild working groups & events, partnership searches, … 3. Influence policy: contribute to policy positions, access Eurochild materials, contribute to external events, consultations, … 4. Training and capacity building: membership exchange seminars, ad-hoc training & capacity building activities, … For more information about membership, go to the “Join us” page of our website or contact our Membership Officer at membership@eurochild.org

AISBL

Avenue des Arts, 1-2 1210 Brussels - Belgium Tel : +32 (0)2 511 70 83 Fax : +32 (0)2 511 72 98 E-mail: contact@eurochild.org Website: www.eurochild.org Photos not belonging to Eurochild are marked with the name of the copyright owner. Eurochild does also use Creative Commons licenses. Electronic version with hyperlinked footnotes is available for download at http://issuu.com/eurochild_org This publication is supported by the European Union Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity - PROGRESS (2007-2013). This programme is implemented by the European Commission. It was established to financially support the implementation of the objectives of the European Union in the employment, social affairs and equal opportunities area, and thereby contribute to the achievement of the Europe 2020 Strategy goals in these fields. The seven-year Programme targets all stakeholders who can help shape the development of appropriate and effective employment and social legislation and policies, across the EU-27, EFTA-EEA and EU candidate and pre-candidate countries. For more information see: http://ec.europa.eu/progress The information contained in this publication does not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the European Commission.


Avenue des Arts, 1-2 - 1210 Brussels - Belgium Tel : +32 (0)2 511 70 83 - Fax : +32 (0)2 511 72 98 e-mail : contact@eurochild.org - Website : www.eurochild.org


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