UNICEF and the children of Romania : final evaluation

The grant has provided a major impetus to UNICEF's commitment to assist the Government of Romania (GOR) during the transition period and has laid the foundation for the current UNICEF country program. The grant facilitated partnership between UNICEF and the National Committee for Child Protection (NCPC) and helped mobilize additional resources. Projects addressed identified needs, were consistent with GOR reform objectives, and were implemented in collaboration with an extensive array of governmental and nongovernmental partners. Significant progress was made towards meeting program objectives in the pilot areas. The foundation for expansion throughout the country has been laid, although mechanisms to coordinate program components must be developed before geographic expansion of project activities. Important changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices affecting the health, education, and well-being of young children have occurred among authorities, professionals, and parents, and there is now explicit recognition of the need for alternatives to institutionalizing children with special needs. Many successful demonstrations by NGOs and governmental agencies have been implemented. The majority of institutions have decreased in size and improved their physical conditions. However, systems changes are not yet universal, and there is widespread frustration that little progress is being made despite substantial inputs and local changes. In the present political context, local actions appear to offer the greatest opportunity for achieving change. Use of the mass media should be greatly intensified. In the Early Childhood Development and Family Education component, parents and private community and local leaders are increasingly involved in the education of children. A national curriculum based on the program has spread to almost half of Romania's kindergartens. Parent centers are also being established. Adapting the existing Romanian system made the program readily accepted, and prospects for long-term sustainability look good. Social work has taken root in Romania. The profession is gaining recognition within the Ministries, social work centers are being established, and there is increased collaboration among universities, NGOs, and local government. Practical training and field placements are beginning to complement the theoretical curriculum at the universities. Activities for handicapped children are making steady progress. The new Law on Education calls for handicapped children to attend normal schools and those who attend special schools to be evaluated by a new Pedagogic Commission before institutional placement to ensure that educational potential and community integration are maximized. Activities to combat the institutionalization of children are breaking new ground but face many constraints. Encouraging steps have been taken to change the attitudes and practices of the Tutelary Authorities and members of the county Commissions for the Protection of Minors. However, new approaches have not yet been integrated at the local level. Lessons learned are as follows: (1) The changes required by the transition in Romania have been more radical than anticipated and require adequate time to develop. (2) Because Romanian professionals and decisionmakers have been isolated for many years, pilot projects may play a greater role in Romania than elsewhere. Given the population's high level of education, adaptations are easily made when coupled with the motivation to make the changes. (3) While continued advocacy with opponents of reform is needed, greater emphasis should be given to identifying and backing those committed to change. This presupposes increased collaboration with grassroots, NGO, and private groups -- support for which should be intensified -- as well as selected government programs. (4) Using a consistent group of consultants for the life of the project is an effective strategy. (5) Collaborative projects are facilitated at the outset if partners clarify roles and lines of authority and establish collaborative mechanisms for communication and decisionmaking. The role of the NCPC has been compromised by controversies regarding its role and mandate. (6) Projects meet their objectives and facilitate broader systemic change only when they build on the local system.