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Reflections by the actors supporting the reform - NGOs

Reflections by the actors supporting the reform - NGOs. Sofia, 6 July 2007. Who are we + what experience do we have?. 7 national and international NGOs:

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Reflections by the actors supporting the reform - NGOs

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  1. Reflections by the actors supporting the reform - NGOs Sofia, 6 July 2007

  2. Who are we + what experience do we have? 7 national and international NGOs: Amalipe (Bulgaria), EveryChild, Hope and Homes for Children (BiH), Association for Promoting Inclusion (Croatia), Quality4Children Project (IFCO, SOS Kinderdorf, FICE), Save the Children UK (BiH), SOS Kinderdorf (Bulgaria) • Prevention of separation • Family support services • Foster care • Reintegration • Prevention of institutionalisation • Placements in collective settings • Transformation of institutions • Development of standards of care, policies, by-laws • Capacity building of child protection professionals • Work with marginalised and vulnerable groups • Advocacy We are also going through a transition and need to redefine our role in consultation with governments

  3. NGOs - Strengths • Flexible and adaptable (quick reaction to need, innovation, usage of funds) • Service providers and developers • Able to provide services at a lower cost than government institutions • Bring in international experience and knowledge, and regional experience sharing/cooperation • Advocates of marginalised groups and able to work with them and reach them • More independent from political situation

  4. NGOs - Opportunities • Contribute to social inclusion through reaching the most marginalised • Contribute to good governance and development of responsible institutions (monitoring, participation of marginalised groups and issues of relevance to them brought in the agenda of govt. institutions) • Contributing resources that are generally scarce (human resources, skills, funding, voluntary potential) • Informing and advocating for legislation and policy change based on field experience and models of best practice • Bring in new methods and approaches

  5. NGOs – Weaknesses • Localised coverage rather than national • Short life cycle (need, mobilisation, sustainability) • Insufficient cooperation, partnering and learning from each other and sharing resources (including cross sectoral) • Insufficient cooperation and partnering with the government • Not having a big picture, not contributing to/fitting into implementation of country’s strategic frameworks

  6. NGOs - Threats • Project oriented • Donor driven – not following government agenda • Development of parallel systems/interventions to the government ones rather than ‘legitimate transitional interventions’

  7. Recommendations - role of NGOs in the reform process • NGOs have an important role in the reform process and should be seen as equal partner in this process • Service provision, in particular for marginalised groups • Advocacy for change of policies (including ensuring voice of marginalised groups in reform processes) • ‘Monitoring’ of government activities • National NGOs in particular should be enabled to take part in these processes • NGOs to be treated as equal service providers by the government and international donors (e.g. ensuring NGO participation in Structural Funds utilisation and monitoring bodies) • Mechanisms for financial support to NGOs from budget need to be ensured – in a way which maintains their independence

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