The situation of children and families

Children represent a specific social group, as they are dependent on adults and excluded from formal political decision-making processes. As a result, they are unable to influence their social position, are vulnerable, and require special care and protection. Their position also depends on their family environment. Given this complexity, the quality of their lives must be understood holistically and in relation to other areas of society. The state has a duty to ensure that children have a safe childhood and opportunities for development, which requires a functioning and effective social security system, accessible and high-quality education and healthcare systems, and modern family policies. The role of the state is to develop appropriate legislation and public policies that take children’s rights into account, promote their implementation, ensure the protection and safety of children (and their families), and create conditions for the development of all children’s potential. The formulation of such public policies can only be effective if it is based on systematic monitoring of the situation of children and families, analyses, evaluations, and research, for which purpose the Children’s Observatory Department was established within the Slovenian Institute for Social Protection in 2004.

Within the position of children and families, we address the following sub-areas:

• the well-being and quality of life of children,
• programs for children and families,
• child protection,
• participation,
• vulnerable groups of children.