New Years marks the end of infant care institutions of Czechia

Infant care institutions for children under three in the Czech Republic will close by year’s end. From January, young children can no longer be placed in such facilities and must be found families, following new child protection laws. By mid-December, 70 temporary foster homes were ready to take in children immediately. Remaining institutions are being converted into homes for disabled children, daycare centers, or long-term care facilities. The Czech Republic faced criticism for institutionalizing young children, making this reform a significant step. The ban was passed in 2021, allowing over three years for preparation.