Voices from the Silent Cradles: Life Histories of Romania's Looked-After Children

In 1990, disturbing television footage emerged showing the inhumane conditions in which children in Romanian institutions were living. This book sheds light on the lived experiences of these children, who had become adults by the time the country joined the EU, challenging stereotypes about these types of care.

Format: Hardback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2021
Publisher: Bristol University Press

In 1990, a distressing television footage surfaced, revealing the deplorable conditions in which children resided in Romanian institutions. The sight of silent babies left viewers astounded and deeply affected. These children, often referred to as 'Romanian orphans,' became the focus of numerous international research studies. Simultaneously, Romania embarked on a crucial reform process to meet the criteria for membership in the European Union. This book delves into the personal accounts of these children, who had grown into adults by the time the country joined the EU. Uniquely, it brings together the stories of those who spent their childhood in institutions, those who were raised in foster care, and those who were adopted both within Romania and abroad. Through their narratives, this book challenges prevailing stereotypes associated with these forms of care.

In 1990, a distressing television footage surfaced, revealing the deplorable conditions in which children resided in Romanian institutions. The sight of silent babies left viewers astounded and deeply affected. These children, often referred to as 'Romanian orphans,' became the focus of numerous international research studies. Simultaneously, Romania embarked on a crucial reform process to meet the criteria for membership in the European Union. This book delves into the personal accounts of these children, who had grown into adults by the time the country joined the EU. Uniquely, it brings together the stories of those who spent their childhood in institutions, those who were raised in foster care, and those who were adopted both within Romania and abroad. Through their narratives, this book challenges prevailing stereotypes associated with these forms of care.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447357988