Description
Various studies show that children care system in the Baltic States, incl. Lithuania still reflects the ideology of social exclusion and stigmatization. Dangerously high number of children left without parental care is placed in closed institutions. Alternative care settings such as foster families are still at the development stage because of lack of knowledge, skills and competencies in the field of alternatives/alternative settings and services, innovative work models in child care. The aim is to provide a coherent and coordinated actions to promote the transition from institutional care to social services, incl. for children and young people deprived of parental care, and develop support system for the families, caregivers. Meanwhile, the Nordic countries, including Norway, have many years of positive experience in the child care, and have undergone a successful process of deinstitutionalization – there are almost no care institutions in Norway (no babies care institutions). This is the focus of the project and its’ activities. Also, the project aims at developing partnerships between Lithuanian municipalities, between the municipalities and the Applicant and Partners, and between Lithuanian and Norwegian municipalities, in order to ensure the quality of child care. Overall goal of the project - to strengthen competencies of the state and municipal officials in the deinstitutionalization process, through the use of good experience of Norway.
Summary of project results
Various studies show that children care system in the Baltic States, incl. Lithuania still reflects the ideology of social exclusion and stigmatization. Dangerously high number of children left without parental care is placed in closed institutions (children care institutions, socializations centers, other) – this, inter alia, is a symptom of low citizenship and society responsiveness to social issues. Alternative care settings such as foster families are still at the development stage because of, inter alia, the lack of knowledge, skills and competencies in the field of alternatives/alternative settings and services, innovative work models in child care. In Lithuania the deinstitualization of those services is started, but for that capacities of state and municipal institutions of the knowledge, skills and competencies in child care and deinstitutionalization field, through the use of good experience of Norway. is needed. During implementation of the project assessment of child care situation in Lithuania and Norway, and of the deinstitutionalisation process was carried out, educational, study and information events on qualitative child care and sustainable deinstitutionalization were organized. Thanks to the project, partnerships between Norwegian and Lithuanian municipalities in the field of child care was strengthened.
Summary of bilateral results
The participation of the Partner from Norway in the implementation of the project ensured the transfer of good experience of Norway into Lithuania, sharing best practices and care models. Also, the Partner helped to establish partnership relationships with the Norwegian municipalities and guided the communication process with them, so the study visits were implemented timely and effectively. This way, the Partner contributed to the project with its’ knowledge and experience in child care, with its’ strong cooperation relationships with Norwegian municipalities and with human resources.