Around 1,500 children and young adults are currently housed in institutions or with a host family in Luxembourg or abroad, figures by the National Children’s Bureau show.
This translates to 60% of children and young adults placed in institutions compared to 40% with families, making Luxembourg one of 6 EU countries (out of 25) to favour institutional placements over foster families.
The Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended that Luxembourg in 2021 “gradually eliminate placements in institutions and to promote the care of children in a family environment whenever this is possible.”
Fleegeelteren Lëtzebuerg, which represents the interests of foster children and families, says more foster families are needed.
Meanwhile, bill number 7994 on aid, support and protection for minors, young people and families, which the previous coalition was unable to pass on time, notes that “early treatment is to be favoured to avoid a deterioration of the situation that at the same time ensure that, as far as possible, the minor can remain with his or her family of origin.”
Adopting this bill will contribute to strengthening placement in foster families, say UNICEF and Fleegeelteren Lëtzebuerg.
