The Proud Project
Promoting supported independent living as an alternative care practice for unaccompanied minors.
Supervised independent living arrangements for children can play a tremendously important role in decreasing the reliance on institutional and residential care. with a commensurate increase in community-based care and services. In this way, de-institutionalization could allow unaccompanied minors to acquire adequate individual support and the right to independent living.
A mentor now – a friend for life
The European project PROUD is currently recruiting volunteers who wish to become mentors for unaccompanied minors and youth. These volunteers will have the opportunity to attend a brief training seminar on the mentoring process and then, as mentors, will support unaccompanied minors to facilitate their transition to adulthood and independent life.
Our main objective
To improve the care of unaccompanied minors, enhance the supervised independent living (SIL) care in the participating country and ultimately promote this alternative care scheme throughout Europe.
a path to independence
Only in the last 5 years more than 35,000 unaccompanied minors have arrived in Europe.
Amongst the children that are deprived of family care are unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) that have reached Europe after having fled the torment of war, conflict and destitution. The absence of quality alternative care mechanisms affects to a greater degree the third-country minors and especially the vulnerable UASC, leading to their marginalization and leaving them exposed to the high risks of violence, physical and psychological abuse, trafficking and smuggling networks.
The experience of a refugee is already an unbelievable path replete with pain and deprivation. A minor, without any family support can suffer experiences that could scar his or her entire life. We have the responsibility to offer them a path towards independence and a place in our social midst.
keywords
15-18 years old minors
succesful integration
Alternative care system
European network
a new answer to existing challenges
The European Commission Communication on the protection of children in migration, published in 2017, includes a set of principles and recommendations to protect the rights of children on the move, which urges Member States to ensure that a range of alternative care options for unaccompanied children, including foster/family-based care, are provided.
Be part of the solution
If you are a child protection professional:
- Be a part of the research activities and provide us with your thoughts on the integration services provided to unaccompanied minors in your country
- Participate in the project’s training activities on alternative care practices, such as the Supported Independent Living scheme
- Become a mentor for one of the two hundred minors participating in the project to support their integration path, with a special focus on their employment opportunities
encourage and support
All project activities and outcomes target at the encouragement and the support of unaccompanied and separated children in the participating countries and across Europe. Researchers, care professionals, mentors and policy makers join forces to facilitate the transition of these minors to adulthood and independence.
prepare and raise awareness
Preparing unaccompanied and separated children for independent adult life and raising awareness of all relevant stakeholders on the issue are among the key priorities of the PROUD project.
Get in touch
We are happy to hear from all of you. Suggestions, questions or any other contribute is more then welcome. We will answer to everyone as soon as possible.
