SUPPORTING PARENTS IN EUROPE EU COUNCIL OF EUROPE

SOME BACKGROUND Increasing interest in child and family policy Due to: Recognition of the connectedness of social and economic (policy) issues and of need for policy in this area Demographic challenges Significance of the UNCRC

EU level 2 focuses: children’s rights, child poverty Rights Children made rights’ holders in EU Charter of Fundamental Human Rights (2000) July 2006 – Towards an EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child - address urgent needs (child helpline/hotline, combat use of credit card for internet pornography purchase, reduce child poverty, emphasise children in development co-operation); - other objectives/plans: ‘mainstream’ children’s rights when drafting EC legislation, set up a European Forum for the Rights of the Child, involve children in decision making, appoint a co- ordinator for the rights of the child, design a communication strategy on children’s rights

EU continued Child Poverty A focus for member states’ National Reports on Strategies for Social Protection and Social Inclusion Results thus far: Heightened status of child poverty, especially early education and care, balanced policy mix. However: few targets, children not participants and rights approach not followed

Council of Europe – Positive Parenting UNCRC on parenting role/obligations - provide appropriate guidance and direction (in a non-violent manner) - provide living conditions for child - enable the child to be heard Obligations on the State Act as guarantor of children’s rights Enable/promote them

Significance Shifts emphasis from parental authority to parental responsibility The two-way nature of parenting is recognised Implies that parenting needs to be resourced

Key Elements of Positive Parenting Positive parenting = promoting the development of positive parent-child relationships and optimising the child’s development potential Emphasises the way of parenting: Nurturing Providing structure Providing recognition Being empowering

Role for Policy Role Create the conditions for positive parenting Remove barriers Promote positive parenting

Substance of Policies Support for all parents: - formal, semi-formal and informal support - promoting education on children’s rights and positive parenting Targeting on parents at risk (of social exclusion) Guidelines for professionals