The vision of the Children at Risk Expert Group for the Baltic Sea region is that of a region where children enjoy their rights as recognised in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The vision envisages effective national child protection systems offer comprehensive prevention, protection and support, thereby providing equal opportunities for all children to grow, develop and thrive free from all forms of violence. Each child has equal opportunities and is offered meaningful opportunities for participation and active involvement in building a prosperous, safe and secure region for all.

The mission of the CBSS Expert Group on Children at Risk is to contribute to the fulfilment of our vision for children by promoting children’s rights and bolstering national child protection systems, including legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect children from all forms of violence, through regional dialogue and practical cooperation.

The Expert Group and the CAR Unit at the CBSS Secretariat are fully committed to the mission of keeping children protected and safeguarded from actions that place them at risk of violence, abuse, exploitation, injury and any other harm.

We support awareness-raising to promote positive attitudes, norms and values to safeguard the rights of children. We promote integrated strategies, including sustainable measures that have been demonstrated to contribute to real positive change in the lives of children at risk:
• Prevention, Early intervention and rapid response at first signs of harm
• Tailor-made Multidisciplinary Response and Support Services
• Encouraging a positive justice, law and policy setting
• Safe environments
• Parent and caregiver support
• Education and life skills, including investment in early childhood education

Our role embraces the two fundamental pillars of the Council of the Baltic Sea States – political dialogue between States and practical cooperation based on tangible projects. We convene national, regional and global actors to exchange information on emerging, developing and ongoing initiatives, to explore joint opportunities and to engage key stakeholders in practical projects. Our work draws on, and contributes to relevant legal and policy frameworks, authoritative guidance, ethical and safe data collection and the voices of children and youth.