Working Group on the Quality of Childhood in the EU – Parliament

The members of the Alliance for Childhood European Network Group, together with the IASWECE, share a deep concern about the quality of childhood in the member states of the European Union. For this reason, partners in the Alliance work together to improve the ‘Quality of Childhood’ in the member states of the European Union.
The members believe that a poor quality of childhood is harmful for children. When society as a whole improves this quality, it will be beneficial for the children and adolescents in question and for the societies in which they grow up.
Furthermore, the members believe that a good quality childhood is based on the following principles and attitudes:

• The child is respected as a fellow human being with his or her own aspirations to develop his/her inner potential.
• The quality of the relationships of the child with important adults and others is a key element of the quality of his/her   childhood and for his/her growth as a human being.

The ultimate objective of our cooperation is that the Quality of Childhood in the member states of the European Union will gradually improve.

Report 2008

Report 2009 (summary)

Report 2009 (full version)

Detailed reports of the sessions in 2010 have been published in two books:  

Improving the Quality of Childhood in the European Union 2010 - Current perspectives  and   

Improving the Quality of Childhood in Europe 2011.
 
Both contain valuable information on scientific research done in different areas that influence child development. The conclusions that can be drawn from each one of them can act as a guide for parents and educators and form a good base for dialogue with policy makers.

Copies are available at £10 plus postage and packing and can be ordered at info@alliancechildhood.org All proceeds go to fund the work of the Alliance. Click here for further details on these two publications.

The 3rd international conference of the Alliance for Childhood "Childhood in Balance" was held in Budapest, Hungary from 13th to 16th of October 2010. Click here for more information about the conference.