Childonomics

Childonomics aims to combine economic discipline with children’s rights.  It provides a knowledge framework through which Eurochild understands investing in children.

The initial project (2014-2018) developed a conceptual framework and methodology designed to measure the long-term social and economic return on investing in children and families.

The methodology offers a step-by-step approach to reviewing specific child and family services contextualised in a broad understanding of the overall child welfare and child protection system.  It emphasises the importance of assessing qualitative outcomes as well as available quantitative data. It requires that outcomes be looked at from the perspective of the individual child, the family, the community and society as a whole.

Throughout the process of calculating net costs and outcomes, the methodology requires value judgements to be made. The added-value of the methodology is to bring greater clarity and transparency.  It provides a holistic framework by which to assess the interaction between different child and family services, their likely outcomes and their respective costs. The methodology can help guide decision-makers in making better informed and economically sound judgements on what works and how to achieve better long-term outcomes for vulnerable children and families. Applying this methodology also raises awareness of the knowledge gaps and can help inform future data collection.

The methodology was tested in Romania and Malta in 2016-2017 and the project was finalised in 2018.

Eurochild is currently exploring with members and partners the further development and testing of the Childonomics framework and methodology.

Reasources

• Introduction to the conceptual framework and methodology
• Summary of Findings
• 2017 Conceptual Framework

Contacts
Agata D’Addato, Senior Project Manager, Eurochild