The CHARM Toolkit
The CHARM Toolkit was developed between 2015-17 as a comprehensive methodology on identifying and preventing abuse against children with mental disabilities in Europe. Comprising a multifaceted specialist monitoring methodology, the Toolkit is the first of its kind aimed at providing a comprehensive approach to promoting and protecting the human rights of children with mental disabilities in institution. It will be of use to NGOs, disabled persons' organisation, representatives of Ombudsman's offices and other inspectorates, and more widely for professionals actively engaged in supporting children who live in institutions.
The CHARM Toolkit
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The Final Report: Findings from Monitoring Visits |
The methodology has been closely aligned with European and international human rights standards and is comprised of seven parts, with extensive cross-referencing:
- An introduction - Describing how to use the overall methodology
- Legal Handbook - Setting out key human rights standards and international norms on monitoring places of detention
- Monitoring Handbook - A practical handbook for teams of human rights monitors visiting child care institutions
- Communication Handbook - On how to effectively communicate with children with a variety of communication methods
- Training Guide - A specialist guide on training inter-disciplinary teams of monitors
- Toolbox for Monitors - Made up of numerous practical tools to assist in conducting monitoring visits
- Model Child Protection Policy - Setting out practical advice on dealing with child protection issues, which can be adapted in different contexts.
The methodology has been piloted in four European countries (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary and the United Kingdom) in 30 residential institutions. The findings from these visits were analysed resulting in the development of a Final Report, setting out key thematic findings and a critical analysis of how The CHARM Toolkit can be used. All materials, including an Easy-to-Read executive summary, are available in four languages and can be accessed above.
Co-funded by the Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme of the European Union
This publication has been produced with the financial support of the European Union within the framework of the project “Identifying and preventing abuse of children with mental disabilities in institutions” (project number: JUST/2013/FRAC/AG/6348). The contents of this publication can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Commission.