The Istituto degli Innocenti of Florence is one of the oldest public institutions in Italy dedicated to the care, upbringing and protection of children. It was founded in the 15th century to care for abandoned children, thanks to a bequest by Francesco Datini, to which the funds of other merchants were added, under the patronage of the Arte della seta (Silk Guild) of Por Santa Maria and its construction was entrusted to Filippo Brunelleschi. Since 5 February 1445, the day it welcomed little Agata Smeralda, the Institute has worked ceaselessly to defend and promote the active rights of children and adolescents according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child adopted in New York on 20 November 1989. Today the Istituto degli Innocenti is a Public Sector Company providing Care Services (ASP): at a time of great and strong cultural, social and, not least, economic changes, it contributes in building a society capable of developing the potential of all its citizens, starting with the youngest ones, through policies combining opportunities, equity and inclusion.