The Istituto degli Innocenti has been running activities for the implementation of the Neutral Space Service for children aged between 0 and 6 years of age since 2017, as part of a collaboration agreement with the Municipality of Florence.
The Neutral Space Service, held with experts, aims at observing, monitoring, protecting and facilitating relationships between children and parents and/or significant non-cohabiting relatives. Their purpose is to safeguard the right of visitation and relationship while protecting the child's interests. The Neutral Space Service is mandated by the Judicial Authority (Ordinary Court or Juvenile Court) following assessments carried out by the referring Municipality's Social Services.
The Neutral Space Service takes place in an appropriate and stimulating context, as pleasant, serene and welcoming as possible, a 'neutral' place with elements (furniture, play materials) organised and arranged to facilitate the relationships. The spaces are organised to accommodate even very young children.
