In the years following its democratic transition after 1990, with the end of isolationist communist rule, Albania experienced political, social and economic upheaval that increased levels of absolute poverty. While there have been signs of economic progress, the country remains one of the poorest in Europe. The provision of basic services remains poor, infrastructure is crumbling and corruption deters foreign investment. Agriculture, an important sector, relies on antiquated equipment and old-fashioned methods. High levels of violence and organized crime, in particular human trafficking, coupled with an increase in the number of street children, as well as children leaving school in order to work; threatens the development of the nations youth; a social demographic that constitutes 28% of the Albanian population. (HDR 2006)
The number of children in institutional care is relatively small, but these social problems are adversely affecting greater numbers and often lead to family breakdown. The social welfare system for vulnerable and orphaned children is mainly confined to residential institutions, and there has consequently been a need to reform the system and provide family-based alternatives.
During 2002 I documented these social dynamics for EveryChild Albania who have established a foster care program and family and child support centres in Tirana and Shkodra. This area of enquiry has also served to reunite children already in institutional care with their birth families. In parallel the NGO has assisted the Albanian government in the implementation of community-based social welfare services that increase the accessibility of education, particularly in the mainstreaming of disabled children into pre-schools and childcare across the country. Two new departments have been established: the Children’s Ombudsman Office and the National Children’s Committee, which is intended to create positive policies that protect children.