PRO.CHILD- Bringing a European methodology to the protection of vulnerable children and youths
▶Summary
Our goal was to improve local child protection responses through international cooperation and knowledge exchange. By bringing together professionals from Sweden and Italy, we aimed to develop tra...
▶Objectives
Our goal was to improve local child protection responses through international cooperation and knowledge exchange. By bringing together professionals from Sweden and Italy, we aimed to develop training opportunities, strengthen institutional collaboration, and create a shared model of best practices. Key objectives included: Enhancing professional training for social workers, healthcare providers, and law enforcement to improve intervention strategies. Comparing Sweden’s Barnahus model with Italy’s multidisciplinary approach to identify what works best in different contexts. Strengthening cooperation between institutions to ensure faster, more coordinated responses to child abuse cases. Raising awareness about the vulnerabilities of abused children and the importance of trauma-informed interventions. Encouraging participation in EU projects, giving professionals hands-on experience in international collaboration. Beyond sharing knowledge, we wanted to turn insights into concrete improvements, ensuring that the lessons learned in this project contribute to long-term advancements in child protection policies and practices in both countries.
▶Activities
We applied for this project because child protection varies significantly across Europe, and we saw an opportunity to improve collaboration and share best practices between Sweden and Italy. While both countries have strong systems, they differ in their legal frameworks, institutional coordination, and professional training. This can lead to inconsistencies in how cases of child abuse are handled. The key needs we addressed included improving coordination between institutions, ensuring professionals receive specialized training, and exploring how different legal and cultural approaches impact child protection. In Sweden, Barnahus provides an integrated model, while Italy’s approach is more decentralized. By learning from each other, we aimed to strengthen intervention strategies and enhance cooperation between social services, healthcare, and law enforcement. Another crucial aspect was raising awareness of children’s rights. Differences in the perception of violence—such as the fact that corporal punishment is still legal in Italy—highlight the need for harmonized child protection standards across Europe. Ultimately, this project aimed to bridge gaps in child protection, upskill professionals, and foster long-term collaboration
▶Impact
Final handbook