Reception centre staff now has a new tool to capture children’s experiences and better understand their needs
On 25 March 2025, the Belgian Contact Point to the European Migration Network (EMN) participated in a study morning dedicated to the presentation of a new tool: "The Reception Centre as Seen by Children." The new tool provides practical methods for capturing children's experiences, enabling professionals to better understand their needs and enhance the quality of care in these centres.
This event, organised by the Centre for Family Studies at Odisee University, is part of the project "Being a Child in a Reception Centre", carried out at the request of Fedasil and funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). The project aims to improve reception conditions for children in reception centres by providing a safe and child-friendly environment that takes their perspective into account. Implemented in two phases (2020–2022 and 2023–2025), it has already delivered several concrete outcomes, including a common vision statement for reception partners, a training programme, a book entitled "Being a Child in a Reception Centre", and an analytical tool titled "How Child-Friendly Is Your Centre?".
On 25 March 2025, participants were introduced to a new tool, "The Reception Centre as Seen by Children". Developed by the Practical Pedagogy Research Centre at Karel de Grote University College, this tool is specifically designed for professionals working in reception centres. It aims to capture children’s perspectives, perceptions, and ideas. Built on two key principles, it recognises children as active participants in their environment and upholds their fundamental right to participation. The tool provides engaging methods to capture children's experiences and offers concrete strategies for professionals to better understand their needs and improve the quality of reception in these centres.
The event also featured a range of insightful contributions. Following an introduction by Fedasil, the Centre for Family Studies at Odisee University presented the overall AMIF project. The Belgian Red Cross shared reflections on children's participation and their place in reception centres, followed by a contribution from the Children's Rights Commissioner. The morning then continued with a series of interactive workshops, allowing participants to further explore and reflect on the care of children in reception centres.
For further information on this project, please visit this webpage in French or in Dutch.