Research clearly shows that substantial improvements are possible within institutions through transforming the methods of care. This involves re-training the carers, to show how, through new processes and techniques, children’s lives can be turned around.

We want to change the ways institutions are run. Moving them from a ‘residential’ (which means nothing happens and the children go crazy through boredom and lack of care) to an ‘educational’ environment. In other institutions we are getting children out of their cots so that their life has some quality – human touch makes all the difference.

We are now ensuring that not only will current staff be trained in new methods of care such as Portage and Intensive Interaction but children living in Placement Centres will receive the best possible care and attention available, helping them to reach their full potential.

We have established an accredited training course which is currently being piloted in Bucharest. This course will teach carers from institutions different approaches to caring for children and give them a good understanding of child development and particularly how to work with disabled children and children with learning difficulties. Working in the best interest of the children ultimately gives the staff greater job satisfaction and fulfilment.