During the last decade, most post-transition countries have significantly decreased funding of services to children in areas such as education, child care, family strengthening, child health and child protection. Economic, social and demographic changes (including increasing elderly populations and decreasing youth populations) have resulted in shifts of funds and services away from children, yet the productivity and well-being of these children must be sustained to ensure economic growth and civil societies in the future. In addition to competing demands for limited resources, most Eastern European governments are transferring responsibility for the provision of services to their local governments. This devolution of services can offer opportunities for more community-based programs and services, but local governments often lack the infrastructure to support their greater roles. Children's Services Policy Fellows should examine the impact of funding, organizational, and program changes upon children and their societies. The aim of these fellowships is to promote sound policies and best practices that encourage the development of comprehensive, efficient, and future-oriented services for children.
 
 
 

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