Dr.(habil) Maria Herczog, Ph.D. Modeling return on investment in children – Implementation of the UN Guidelines on Alternative Care Dr.(habil) Maria Herczog, Ph.D. RELAF Conference Panama City, 13 October 2016

Childonomics Methodology, framework, model for policy and decision makers, professionals, NGOs to measure the financial direct and indirect investment in well-being of children and the outcomes, benefits, return, including social return – a life span approach taking into consideration the life cycles Based on the UNCRC, UN Guidelines on Alternative Care, GC19(2016) on public budgeting for the realization of children’s rights Special focus on prevention of separation from the families,, reunification of children with their families - de- institutionalisation Evidence and quantifiable models to prove the economic benefit of investing in children

Childonomics Focus is on all type of services, provisions, including universal, targeted and specialised health, education, social support and services, play, out of school activities, housing, etc. Measurement is very complex, including non- quantifiable items – subjective well-being, better community life, solidarity etc.

Childonomics Eurochild project with the Oxford Policy Management (OPM) team working on the theoretical framework with the support of the government of Malta and Romania to gather information and data, based on budget and other related statistical and service information. Focus group meetings with all stakeholders, including children on their views and ideas. Case studies demonstrating the examples of promising practices, approaches, main obstacles and questions

A world fit for children Investing in children is the most “profitable business” Excellent advocacy tool for all Convincing, measurable outcomes A child and citizen friendly environment Increasing awareness on the need for implementing child rights, more transparent operation, clarity on goals and tools – DI, implementation of the UN Guidelines,

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