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SECURE

Safeguarding and Empowering Children on the Move in Child Protection Centers at the Southern European Border

GA number:  101254470

Funded by: CERV Duration: 01/05/2026-31/10/2027

Challenge

Children living in residential care settings, particularly unaccompanied migrant minors arriving at the southern borders of Europe, face heightened risks of violence, exploitation, neglect, and inadequate protection. Despite existing child protection systems, many care facilities continue to struggle with insufficient safeguarding protocols, limited staff training, and a lack of child-centred participation mechanisms. Girls and adolescent females are especially vulnerable to gender-based violence and abuse. These gaps undermine children’s safety, well-being, and rights, highlighting the urgent need for stronger safeguarding frameworks and more protective care environments across Europe.

Innovation

SECURE strengthens the protection of children, especially unaccompanied minors, and adolescents living in residential care centres in Southern Europe. By combining child participation, gender-sensitive and intercultural approaches, accessible safeguarding resources, and stronger institutional responsibility, it helps residential care providers build safeguarding systems that are practical, trusted and responsive to children’s needs.

Action

Developing a child-centred safeguarding framework

A practical Child Safeguarding Framework helps residential care centres strengthen their safeguarding policies and everyday practices. Designed with contributions from children, professionals and public authorities, it provides clear recommendations that support safer, more consistent and rights-based care across different settings

Creating accessible safeguarding resources for children

Child-friendly visual materials and QR-code bracelets give children easy access to information about their rights, available support and reporting channels. These resources help children recognise unsafe situations, understand where to seek help and confidently use safeguarding mechanisms.

Training professionals working on child protection center on safeguarding

Specialised training provides professionals with practical knowledge on safeguarding, trauma-informed care, intercultural competence and gender-sensitive approaches. Dedicated safeguarding focal points support the long-term integration of these practices, helping organisations respond more effectively to risks and protect children.

Raising awareness among children about their rights

Workshops help children and adolescents understand their rights, recognise unsafe situations, and become familiar with the safeguarding tools and support available to them. By building trust and encouraging participation, the sessions help children feel safer and more confident in seeking help when they need it.

Producing evidence to strengthen child protection systems

Evidence-based reports highlight good practices and practical recommendations for safeguarding children in residential care. They help organisations and public authorities strengthen child protection policies across Europe.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or [name of the granting authority]. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

Project Partners

Fundación Save the Children
(Spain)
Coordinator
KMOP
(Greece)
Greek Council for Refugees
Greek Council for Refugees
(Greece)
CESIE
(Italy)
Cabildo Insular de Tenerife
(Spain)

 

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