are still frequently exposed to various forms of violence, both in the family and in school. Sustained efforts are still needed to enhance the awareness of the population and decision makers on the fact that zero tolerance against any form of violence must move from being a policy priority to a lifestyle, a way of living together, of rearing and taking care of children, since few or no data is available on abuses that leave no other scars or marks than those in the heart and mind of a child. In 2013, the European Commission (EC) recommended that all member states should draw up and implement policies to reduce poverty and social exclusion of children, based on multidimensional strategies aimed at ensuring the children’s welfare and promoting equal opportunities, so that all children may reach their maximum potential. To this purpose, EC recommends maintaining a suitable balance between universal policies aimed at promoting the welfare of all children and targeted approaches, aimed at supporting the most disadvantaged, with a focus on children with increased risk for multiple disadvantages, such as children with special needs or disabilities, children benefitting from alternative care, Roma children and children from households with low incomes. These strategies to promote children welfare need sustained investments, ensuring policy continuity and longterm planning, based on assessments of how policy reforms affect the most disadvantaged persons and including approaches to reduce possible negative effects. Based on these recommendations, Romania drew up the National Strategy for promoting and protecting children’s rights 2014-2020, aimed at promoting investments in children development and welfare, ensuring the observance of children’s rights, covering the children’s needs and universal access to services. This national strategy was designed so as to act as a catalyst for the national implementation of the principles stipulated in the UN Convention on Children’s Rights. At the same time, it is based on an integrated and holistic approach helping create consistent links with the National Reform Programme and other national strategic documents for the following five years, especially those in the field of social protection, education and health. 131