Children and their well-being will be the topic of two international conferences to be held in Malta next month.

Between 18-21 November, the International Foster Care Organisation (IFCO) with the help of Agenzija Appogg will hold its annual international conference in Malta. The theme is: Developing Foster Care for Children and Families in the European Union, CEE, CIS and North Africa – New Challenges, Quality Standards and Solutions. This conference is being organised in collaboration with the National Foster Care Association of Malta and the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity.

IFCO 2007 Malta will seek to link together all those involved in the development of family-based care in the countries of the EU, CEE, CIS and nearby North Africa.

The third annual conference of Eurochild, Preventing Social Exclusion of Children and Young People, will be held between 22-23 November. During this conference, Eurochild will focus on three main themes which are considered to be crucial to preventing social exclusion and poverty among children and young people in Europe. A workshop will be set up on each of these themes, running across two sessions, to provide a platform for exchange, discussion and concrete recommendations on how the good practice experience can be applied in the broader policy framework. These workshops will also illustrate how the principles of participation and early intervention are applied.

Eurochild is an international non-profit making association, which aims to promote the rights and welfare of children and young people at European and national level. The work of Eurochild AISBL is underpinned by the principles enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The upcoming annual conference will be held in collaboration with Agenzija Appogg.

More information and programmes for both conferences are available on the Appogg website www.appogg.gov.mt. For more details one may also contact Etienne Bonello on [email protected] or 2388-5000.