Recommendations on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems in the best interests of the child

SUMMARY OF:

Recommendation (EU) 2024/1238 on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems in the best interests of the child

Consolidated version of the Treaty on European Union – Article 3

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE RECOMMENDATION AND ARTICLE 3?

The recommendation aims to support European Union (EU) Member States in strengthening their child protection systems in the best interests of the child, a commitment in the EU strategy on the rights of the child (see summary).
Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union specifically mentions the protection of the rights of the child as being among the EU’s aims and values.

KEY POINTS

The key recommendations include the following.

Putting children at the centre of integrated child protection systems by adapting protection systems to children’s needs and including children when taking decisions that impact them.
Supporting Member States in adapting their systems through tools such as EU legislation, policy or funding.
Setting up a general framework of integrated child protection systems from which Member States are invited to:
- draw up national plans to end violence against children;
- effectively implement EU and national legislation on child protection;
- set up coordination structures;
- strengthen human and financial resources;
- improve data collection.
Improving coordination and cooperation across sectors and competent authorities through professional training starting at the local level.
Setting out comprehensive and coordinated support measures in cases of violence against children, from prevention and early identification to reporting and cross-sectoral support.
Responding to children’s safety needs online and offline by improving children’s digital literacy, promoting the safe use of digital technologies and training families and carers.
Protecting children’s integrity and mental health and helping prevent and fight (cyber)bullying by encouraging Member States to develop national mental health strategies, with children as the priority target group.
Making child protection a global EU priority by prompting Member States to adopt an integrated approach to protecting children in their external action, such as by eradicating child labour and protecting children in armed conflicts, and protecting them from climate change and environmental hazards.

The recommendation is accompanied by a European Commission communication which includes an annex on the use of existing EU tools to develop and strengthen integrated child protection systems, supported by a staff working document.

BACKGROUND

For further information, see:

Rights of the child (European Commission)
The EU strategy on the rights of the child and the European child guarantee (European Commission)
Have your say, child consultation (European Commission)
Mapping child protection systems in the EU – Update 2023 (European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights).

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1238 of 23 April 2024 on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems in the best interests of the child (OJ L, 2024/1238, 14.5.2024).

Consolidated version of the Treaty on European Union – Title I – Common provisions – Article 3 (ex Article 2 TEU) (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, p. 17).

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