We are pleased to announce that the “General Child Safeguarding Framework” has recently been submitted to the European Commission. This marks the first public deliverable of the Safe in Town project, an initiative dedicated to creating safer, more inclusive, and child-friendly environments across Europe.
About the Safe in Town Project
Every year, millions of children around the world experience violence, often in the very places where they should feel safest: at home, at school, and in their communities. Safe in Town works with municipalities in Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and Portugal to tackle this urgent issue by supporting the development and implementation of comprehensive, city-level child safeguarding policies.
The project promotes a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach, bringing together local authorities, service providers, communities, and children themselves to:
Prevent violence
Strengthen protection systems
Ensure effective responses when risks arise
Aligned with the EU Recommendation on integrated child protection systems, Safe in Town fosters innovative, child- and gender-sensitive practices, referral mechanisms, and evidence-based strategies.
The General Child Safeguarding Framework provides the foundation for this work. It sets out guiding principles, key standards, and recommended approaches that municipalities can adapt to their own contexts. By building local capacities and strengthening a culture of safeguarding, the framework aims to reduce risks, protect children, and empower them to thrive safely in their communities.
We are proud to take this important step forward in strengthening child protection systems across Europe. The framework not only serves as a practical guide for municipalities but also reflects our shared commitment to creating safer, more inclusive communities for every child.
The deliverable is available to read and download as a PDF: