© 2001 by Oxford University Press
Children, Law and Social Policy in Italy
1 Dipartimento di Studi Sociali e Politici, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan
This article provides an overview of the conditions of children in Italy from a number of perspectives. It sets out soci-demographic information, and goes on to consider the most significant aspects of civil legislation and social policy relevant to children. The article underlines the absence of a coherent system of child welfare, and, in addition, a general deficiency in family policies. This makes the implementation of children's rights very difficult, especially in southern Italy. However, since 1997, following the application of Law 285, local bodies have undertaken a number of initiatives in the areas of provision, protection and participation. As far as family legislation is concerned, the idea that continuity of relationships between children and parents after divorce is in the best interests of children has only recently penetrated Italian judicial culture. The article also discusses some recent bills intending to make joint custody legally binding, and to introduce family mediation into the judicial system.