Press release
Government Reforms Social Care Service,
supported by a USD 3.3 million grant from the Swiss Development Cooperation provided through UNICEF
Tirana, 4 October 2012 – The Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities continues its reform of social care services. The reform is supported by a USD 3.3 million grant from the Swiss Development Cooperation provided through UNICEF.
The initiative, which is expected to be conducted over the next three to four years, is part of the on-going reform of the social protection system managed by the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. It is meant to improve the efficiency of the social protection system and the quality of social services for vulnerable groups, including children. The reform aims to ensure that social protection works for the most vulnerable members of society.
The system of social protection must address risks and vulnerabilities related to poverty, marginalization and social exclusion. Support provided by UNICEF and the Swiss Development Cooperation, also in collaboration with other development partners working in the area, will include technical assistance for policy analysis, data collection and research, modeling and assistance for capacity building measures.
Current government social protection strategy and policy has mainly focused on the provision of economic aid (ndihma ekonomike) and other entitlements. Social workers were mainly administering cash benefits. While social care services have formed a part of the strategy, delivery of such services has often been ad-hoc and accountability for their provision has not always been clear. Social workers were not always involved or authorised to follow up on families or individuals in need of special services, such as those for people with disabilities, or children in need of special protection.
An effective social care system consists of an integrated and inter-connected system of laws, regulations, policies, procedures, institutions, capacities, and service providers. Much of the primary legislation to support implementation of the reform is in place. A Decentralization Framework and Action Plan have been developed. The support of UNICEF and the Swiss Development Cooperation is expected to help implementing the reform plan. Experience from the provision of child protection services and other lessons will inform the reform.
The reform identifies four principal groups of actors:
· The Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs & Equal Opportunities, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Interior, and other Ministries and government departments will work to improve the policy and legislative framework
· Regional Councils (qarks) and Regional Needs Assessment & Service Planning Commissions will identify the needs and priorities and direct the use of resources for social protection
· Municipalities (bashki) and communes have accountability for arranging the provision of services, and following up with those in need.
· Civil society organizations and institutions offering social care services and representing vulnerable groups of people.
Priorities of the reform include:
· residential care services are to be transferred to local government units and gradually switched to more effective and efficient community based services
· an increase in the involvement of local government and civil society in the planning and delivery of social services
· an increase of the responsibility of local government for the financing, guaranteeing sustainability and continuity of services
· clarification of accountability for ensuring availability of services, especially for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable population groups
· drafting, implementation, monitoring, and improving of the standards of services for all groups in need
· a focus on the social inclusion of Roma populations, especially their children
· respect for the rights of groups in need, in particular children, the disabled and the elderly, meeting their needs and supporting their integration into social life
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For further information, please contact:
Anila Miria, Communication Officer, UNICEF Office,
Floriana Hima, Child Protection Officer, UNICEF Office,
Denada Seferi, Policy Director of Social Services, MoLSAEO,
Silvana Mjeda, National Programme Officer, Swiss Cooperation Office,