A Goal Within Reach: Ending the institutionalization of children to ensure no one is left behind

Children and young people who, for various reasons, live without the care of their parents or those who are at risk of losing it are the most exposed to poverty, discrimination, and exclusion – factors that, in turn, can make them more vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and abandonment. The difficult transition to autonomous and independent life which faces these young people is a topic about which there is little understanding globally. For this reason, thorough studies are required to identify the risks facing this population and support the transformation and improvement of care systems. We need to build and implement new public policies to serve this population and offer them greater guarantees and opportunities for their future. We must collect better data on institutionalized children, young people, and care leavers