A framework for child and family support in Europe : building comprehensive support systems

Abstract

The European Family Support Network is dedicated to enhancing the role of Family support research, policy, and practice to promote parental support, children’s rights and family welfare. Under the auspices of EurofamNet and funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) scheme, the Network is completing a four-year (2019-2023) programme of research and knowledge exchange activities. As a COST action, EurofamNet has wide membership among member states of the European Union (EU), and adjacent countries that have special relationships with the EU. EurofamNet research has included the publication of three major scoping studies which inform this policy briefing: The conceptualisation and delivery of family support in Europe: A review of academic literature (Devaney, C. et al., 2021) considers research and theory regarding how formal family support is conceptualised, developed and delivered among the European contexts. The conceptualisation and delivery of family policy and support in Europe: A review of international and European frameworks and standards (Churchill et al., 2021) provides a review of international and European policy and provision standards and frameworks adopted by the United Nations, Council of Europe and European Union concerned with rights to, and provision of, child, parental and family support among member states. Child and family support policies across Europe: National reports from 27 countries (Abela, et al., 2021) contains a compendium of national reports from 27 European countries with representatives in EurofamNet. These reports capture trends and issues relating to the national context for children, parents and families; and national approaches to family support policy and provision.