The University of Pardubice has shed light on new approaches in social and legal child protection through an in-depth interview with Mgr. Adriana Sychrová, Ph.D., from the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy. Sychrová, who has years of experience in children’s homes, charities, and social work education, discussed the transformation of the Child Protection Authority (OSPOD) from a feared institution into a more supportive partner for families.
She emphasized the importance of early intervention, building trust with both parents and children, and reducing excessive bureaucracy. Her work has been part of a multi-year innovative project in partnership with the Pardubice Region and Gov Lab, aimed at helping vulnerable families before crises escalate to the point of child removal.
The initiative also draws inspiration from Dutch best practices, notably Amsterdam’s globally recognized child protection model. Outcomes from the project have attracted interest from ministries, regional authorities, and legislators, with a final evaluation report publicly available.
Through case studies, Sychrová illustrated how a supportive and partnership-based approach can lead to significant improvements in children’s lives, even in complex family situations involving poverty, substance abuse, or domestic conflict.
Source: University of Pardubice
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