THE CAUSES OF CHILDRENS INSTITUTIONALIZATION IN ROMANIA

A country-wide, cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the causes of institutionalization of Romanian children aged 0-3 years. A total of 628 children were sampled at random. Interviews were conducte d with directors of institutions and records of each sampled child wer e reviewed. Each sampled child was given a brief medical and developme ntal evaluation. The children in Romanian institutions have one or mor e chronic health conditions. Their families have multiple, complex soc ial problems. The referral to institutions usually involved a paediatr ician (76% of children). Fifty-four per cent of children were referred primarily from paediatric and maternity hospitals. The majority of ch ildren currently interned are likely to remain in institutional care. Implications for policy and re-organization of health and social servi ces are discussed.