TIRANA, November 27 – Health and Social Welfare Minister, Prof. Evis Sala, notified the National Council for Children that three key policies—the Child Guarantee, the Transformation of Residential Centers, and the Alternative Care Law—support a single vision. She stated the goal is to build a coordinated, accessible, and sustainable protection system. As a result, every child can feel safe, supported, and included, while families receive assistance to strengthen themselves.
Sala noted that children always come first and will remain a priority in all ministest decisions. In addition, she thanked council members for their daily contributions. She invited participants to share recommfinishations to improve policies and ensure effective implementation. She also expressed special gratitude to the European Union, UNICEF, partner organizations, and other actors supporting the reform process.
During the meeting, the National Action Plan for the European Child Guarantee was presented. Sala explained that the plan ensures every child in Albania has equal access to quality education, health, social, and protective services, regardless of background or socio-economic status. She added that the plan guides institutions to support the most vulnerable children. This includes children with disabilities, children from Roma and Egyptian communities, children without parental care, and children at risk of violence or exploitation.
Another topic was the Transformation of Residential Centers. Sala stated the reform shifts care from institutions to community services and family support. The model, already successful in Korça and Vlora, is expanding to Durrës and soon Shkodër. She emphasized that, with a secured budreceive for 2026–2028, the reform will become a nationwide reality.
Finally, Sala addressed the new Alternative Care Law. She described it as a cornerstone of deinstitutionalization reform and a key commitment under EU accession neobtainediations, Chapter 23. The law will modernize care for children who cannot live with their parents. Moreover, it will introduce standards to ensure the best interests of the child and establish a professional guardianship system.
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