For many years, the Czech Republic has been one of the European countries with the highest number of children in institutional care. Many of these children are infants.
In its 2012 National Strategy to Protect Children’s Rights, the Czech Government committed to creating a functional system to protect the rights of all children. As part of this, strategies should be put in place to ensure that placement of children in institutions is only used as a last resort and regularly monitored and reviewed.
Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway have allocated €1 982 738 to this aim through the Czech ‘Children and Youth at Risk’ programme.
What is supported?
Different activities aimed at deinstitutionalisation of care for vulnerable children can be supported, including:
- Analysis of facilities or of the needs of the families and children from a particular region;
- Evaluation of existing capacity of service providers;
- Development of individual training plans for the staff;
- Development of educational activities for carers, family members, municipal officials etc.;
- Development of communication strategies focusing on children in institutional care, their families, and institution staff.
Who can apply?
Czech public bodies, such as local or regional authorities may apply for funding. Partnerships with organisations from the donor countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway – or between Czech entities and intergovernmental organisations are encouraged.
These can either be NGOs or public and private entities.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 30 September 2014.
Read the full call text for more detailed information on eligible applicants and activities
Read more about the Czech ‘Children and Youth at Risk’ programme here