ALBANIA
Case Study
Children leaving Albanian institutions are at increased risk of trafficking as the national age for leaving the care system is only 15, when they are less likely to have the life skills needed to live independently as fully integrated members of society.
However, it is worth noting that Albania has begun a deinstitutionalisation process, meaning that the government is hoping to transition away from institutional care, and towards quality family and community-based care in the coming years.
This process will help to protect thousands of children from trafficking and exploitation. Nevertheless, it is crucial that this process is undertaken in a way that respects the right of all children, to remain with their families unless there is a real (as opposed to a perceived) risk of trafficking.