Preventing Family Separation and Institutionalisation of Children Recommendations for the 2028-2034 MFF Regulatory Framework

Briefing    |    13 March 2026

The next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034) will support the design and implementation of Member States’ social policies and investments for the next decade.

Evidence from across Member States shows that families experiencing poverty and multiple forms of discrimination, based on ethnicity, race, disability or migration status, rarely interact with public authorities except in moments of stress. Institutional responses tend to be reactive and punitive rather than preventative and supportive. Children are separated from families because of poverty or discrimination rather than genuine protection needs.

By contrast, when systems are designed to provide timely, community-based support to families, outcomes improve for children and public expenditure decreases over time. EU funds play a decisive role in supporting structural changes and reforms in public policy and services.

This briefing sets out how EU funds can be designed to deliver better outcomes, stronger accountability, and long-term social and economic value, in line with the EU’s legal obligations and strategic priorities.