1. Child Voices in the Call for Reform
The journey towards change for children!
Alan Kikuchi-White
Representative to the United Nations in Geneva

2. Problems and Causes
Why are children in Alternative Care? (is poverty the main reason?) What are the gaps? (CP and care systems) What can we learn from listening to children? (a case-study)

3. The GAPS? Lack of empowering Preventative Services Sibling Separation
Lack of quality care options
Right to identity – disempowering children!
Was this in the BEST INTERESTS of the CHILD?

4. Plugging the Gaps: Guidance and Trends
The UN Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children
(rights-based guidance for reform – prevention and alternative care)
Principle of NECESSITY
(no child in care when not necessary)
Principle of SUITABILITY
(response tailored to the individual)
How to uphold these principles?

5. Fundamental Approaches
Commitment to the BEST INTERESTS of the Child
Range of Options – Prevention and Alternative Care
Respect for all the Rights of the Child
DE-I as a broad agenda reform
of family services and alternative options
(more than just “numbers”)

6. Strategic Reform Family Services & Prevention
(tertiary approach)
Reducing reliance on institutions
+ development of family-based alternatives
(not just a question of closure)
Leaving Care – outcomes for children
(empowered and capable young people)

7. Quality Care? SAFETY STABILITY SUPPORT
“Quality care is not rocket science!”
(young people from care – Prague 2011)

8. The TRENDS Prevent Separation – strengthen families
Range of Options – to ensure individualised responses
Determine the BEST INTEREST with participation
De-Institutionalise the system
(not just the child)

9. Challenges, Obstacles and Resistance?
The ROAD to REFORM
Challenges, Obstacles and Resistance?

10. The ROAD to REFORM Challenges, Obstacles and Resistance?
ENERGY, INNOVATION & COMMITMENT

11. The ROAD to REFORM Challenges, Obstacles and Resistance?
ENERGY, INNOVATION & COMMITMENT
“People who say it cannot be done
should not interrupt those who are doing it”
(George Bernard Shaw)

12. Change is in our hands IMAGINE the impact! The POWER is in our hands!
We are the DRIVERS for change!
“Bon voyage” to us all on this journey!

13. Alan Kikuchi-White Representative to the United Nations in Geneva SOS Children’s Villages International