Supporting parents means supporting children

Eurochild member Croatia for Children Foundation launches the "Parenthood is a Plus" campaign exploring the hopes, concerns and experiences of young adults when making decisions about parenthood.

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, loving and supportive family environment. With this belief at its core, the Croatia for Children Foundation has launched "Parenthood is a Plus", a national campaign that encourages open conversations about parenthood and the challenges many young adults face when deciding to start a family.

The Croatia for Children Foundation is a Croatian public foundation operating under the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy. Through national programmes and partnerships, the Foundation works to improve the quality of life of children and families across Croatia.

Many young people wish to become parents, yet concerns about financial security, housing, career development and uncertainty about the future often lead them to postpone that decision. The campaign seeks to create an environment in which future parents feel informed, understood and supported instead of pressured or judged.

Running from July to December 2026, the initiative brings together public institutions, professionals, employers, civil society organisations and parents to explore how communities can provide stronger support for families. Through public discussions, podcasts, media campaigns, practical guides and personal stories, the campaign promotes honest dialogue and encourages a more positive understanding of parenthood.

The campaign was officially launched with a public discussion entitled "Is a Baby Boom Possible in Croatia?", opening an important conversation about the role that families, communities and institutions all play in creating better conditions for children to grow and thrive.

The Foundation believes that supporting parents also means protecting children's rights. When families receive timely support, children are more likely to grow up in stable environments where they can develop their full potential. By strengthening support networks around families and promoting positive attitudes towards parenting, the campaign contributes to building communities in which every child has the opportunity to flourish.

The Croatia for Children Foundation hopes that this initiative will encourage dialogue beyond Croatia and welcomes the opportunity to exchange experiences and good practices with organisations across Europe working to strengthen families and improve children's lives.