Social inequalities and vulnerability of Roma children in the protectionsystem in Cluj County

This study analyses the situation of Roma children separated from their parents and under the special protection measure of foster care in Cluj County, through a socio-demographic approach. Our research highlights the overrepresentation of Roma children in the child protection system. The results show that this disproportion is caused by factors such as extreme poverty, poor housing conditions, lack of education and structural discrimination. Approximately one third of the Roma families live in makeshift shacks with limited access to utilities and in conditions of severe overcrowding. The level of education of Roma parents is low and their access to the labour market is very limited. At the same time, institutionalized children show a high level of health problems, caused by poor living conditions and lack of medical care before the establishment of the protection measure. Our findings emphasize the need for integrated interventions to reduce the social inequalities that cause children to be separated from their families.