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Description
The project address regional inequalities in accessibility of social services, unequal development of social services for different beneficiaries, weak coordination and lack of sustainability. Poor collaboration and transparency between policy makers, local stakeholders and civil society parallel with insufficient evidence-base in policy making contributes to such state. It aims to strengthen civil society''s advocacy position and dialogue with policy makers in order to achieve transparency and universal access to basic social services for vulnerable groups. Specific objectives: 1. creating evidence-base for developing and advocating policies of universal access to basic social services, through research and structured dialogue with stakeholders; 2. improving transparency and efficiency of planning, monitoring, assessing the availability and quality of social services; 3. Increasing awareness and support to the initiative for universal access to basic social services. Key activities: comprehensive scientific research followed with development of policy framework and implementation model for universal access to basic social services; empowering local officials and social service providers and developing digital tools to facilitate and increase transparency in planning and organizing social services according to the proposed model and monitoring quality; advocacy campaign carried out by the Initiative for Universal Access to Basic Social Services, formed in the project. Partner Study Centre for Social Work will lead research and policy development activities while donor state partner Einurd will contribute to capacity building in the field of community development and integration of services. Target groups including social service beneficiaries are not specifically addressed based on their gender, age or race; this project is relevant for Transparency and anti-corruption policy marker.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several key issues and challenges related to the accessibility, quality, and sustainability of social services, particularly for vulnerable groups. These challenges include:
Regional Inequality in Access to Social Services: There is significant regional disparity in the availability and quality of social services, especially in underdeveloped and rural areas, where certain services are scarce or inaccessible.
Lack of Coordination and Overlap in Service Provision: In some areas, multiple providers offer the same type of social services, while other essential services are completely absent. This lack of coordination results in inefficient resource allocation and missed opportunities to meet the diverse needs of the community.
Insufficient Monitoring and Involvement of Stakeholders: There is a gap in the systematic monitoring of the quality of social services, and users and other relevant stakeholders are often excluded from planning, monitoring, and evaluating these services. This results in services that may not fully meet the needs of the population.
Unequal Access to Services for Different Groups: Different groups of users, such as those of varying ages or needs, do not have equal access to social services. This unequal provision of services undermines social inclusion and the protection of vulnerable groups.
Sustainability of Social Services: Many social services are funded almost exclusively through project-based funding, which poses a significant challenge to the long-term sustainability of these services. Without stable and predictable funding, the continuity of essential services is at risk.
Centralization in Planning: Social service planning is overly centralized, leading to a disconnect between national policymakers and local communities. This lack of local input limits the responsiveness and effectiveness of policies and services.
Weak Role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Despite playing a critical role in providing social services and advocating for vulnerable groups, CSOs are often sidelined in the policy-making process. This issue arises due to a lack of constructive dialogue between national policymakers, local communities, and CSOs, particularly those working with marginalized groups.
The project aimed to address these issues by fostering social consensus and promoting sustainable access to essential social services. It emphasized the need for better coordination, greater inclusivity in decision-making processes, and the development of policies that ensure equal access to services for all groups. The initiative aligns with international frameworks, such as the European Social Charter, the EU Social Investment Package, and the UN and ILO''s Social Protection Floors initiative, which advocate for integrated social services and the protection of vulnerable populations.
The project achieved a series of impactful results through its carefully structured activities. One of the main accomplishments was the development of a comprehensive national methodology. This methodology was built upon a study titled “Universal Access to Basic Social Services: Feasibility Model,” which was accepted by the Ministry. The study served as the foundation for the creation of regional social plans and was incorporated into a draft regulation for assessing social service needs at the regional level. This methodology has now become a guiding framework for how social services should be planned and assessed across the country.
The project also played a key role in increasing transparency in social service provision. By designing a methodology that supported clear and accountable contracting of new social services, the project enabled the expansion of the social service network. As a result, the availability of these services grew significantly, fulfilling the project’s central goal. In addition to improving transparency, the project introduced innovative solutions to ensure the sustainability and quality of social services. For example, it encouraged local and regional authorities to actively support service providers in maintaining high standards and sustainability. Services were also categorized by their territorial scope—local, cluster-based, or regional—which was subsequently integrated into the national framework.
A particularly valuable aspect of the project was its pilot implementation. The methodology was put into practice in Osijek-Baranja County, where it was used to assess the social service needs in the region. This hands-on experience allowed for the testing and validation of the proposed methodology, providing real-world evidence of its effectiveness.
The project also contributed to a broader recognition of the importance of assessing social service needs based on the social risks and problems faced by the population. It emphasized the necessity of addressing these needs with a wide range of services, as suggested by experts and stakeholders throughout the project. This was an essential step towards ensuring that social services are both relevant and responsive to the diverse challenges of the population.
Additionally, the project played a significant role in strengthening civil society organizations (CSOs) and advocacy networks. Through expert workshops and various advocacy activities, the project created a platform for collaboration between CSOs. It facilitated discussions on the challenges faced by CSOs in providing social services, especially in comparison to public service providers. The initiative also helped establish advocacy networks that will continue to connect CSOs, promoting long-term dialogue and cooperation even after the project’s conclusion.
Public awareness was another critical aspect of the project. Through the production of free, publicly available materials, including webinars, the project raised awareness among social service providers and local authorities. These materials focused on the importance of intergenerational solidarity and intercultural dialogue in the provision of social services, helping to inform and educate stakeholders on best practices.
In conclusion, the project made significant strides in the development of a national methodology for social service planning. It increased transparency, improved the accessibility of services, and introduced innovative solutions for sustainability and quality. Additionally, it strengthened the role of CSOs in social service delivery and raised awareness among key stakeholders. These achievements will have lasting positive effects on the quality and accessibility of social services in the country, ensuring that they better meet the needs of the population in the years to come.
The project brought about significant changes in policy development, advocacy, and social service accessibility, positively impacting local governments, social service providers, and vulnerable groups. Through extensive research and collaboration, it laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and sustainable social service system.
One of its most notable achievements was the development of the study "Universal Access to Basic Social Services: Feasibility Model," which directly influenced national policy. This study served as the foundation for a standardized methodology for regional social planning, which was published for public consultation in May 2023. By establishing a clear and transparent framework, the project ensured that planning and contracting social services became more structured and widely accessible.
In partnership with Osijek-Baranja County, the project piloted a model for assessing social service needs, which later became integrated into national policies. A key innovation was the introduction of territorial service categorization, allowing services to be structured at local, cluster-based, or regional levels, ensuring that they reached those in need more efficiently.
Advocacy efforts led to crucial policy changes, including the removal of restrictive technical requirements for psychosocial services. This shift enabled a broader range of organizations, particularly civil society associations, to provide essential support services. The project also fostered stronger collaboration between civil society organizations and policymakers, leading to the formation of an advocacy coalition that continues to work beyond the project’s completion. This coalition remains instrumental in addressing challenges faced by non-governmental service providers and advocating for improved policies.
To support evidence-based decision-making, the project developed two digital tools designed to assess the availability and accessibility of social services. These tools provided local governments with a data-driven approach to evaluating their resources and improving service delivery. In addition, a series of publicly available materials and webinars were created, focusing on themes such as intergenerational solidarity and intercultural dialogue. These resources continue to inform and educate stakeholders on best practices in social service provision.
The project had a direct impact on various beneficiaries. Local governments gained valuable tools and knowledge that improved their ability to assess and plan social services effectively. Social service providers benefited from reduced administrative barriers and clearer guidelines, enabling them to deliver services more efficiently. Most importantly, vulnerable groups, including national minorities, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly, experienced improved access to essential social services tailored to their specific needs.
The impact of the project was further recognized at the European level. The Rehabilitation Center for Stress and Trauma in Zagreb was nominated for the 2023 European Social Service Award in the “Research and Evaluation” category for its Community Resource Assessment Tool. This tool assists cities and municipalities in assessing their capacity to provide essential social services, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively.
Through a participatory, inclusive, and transparent approach, the project strengthened advocacy networks and built trust among key decision-makers. By setting high standards for a human-rights-based approach to social service provision, it established the Rehabilitation Center for Stress and Trauma as a leading expert organization. The project not only achieved its initial goals but also created a lasting impact, shaping social service policies and ensuring better support for vulnerable communities.
Summary of bilateral results
The project greatly benefited from its collaboration with the bilateral partner, Einrud from Iceland, whose expertise in inclusive social services was crucial. Einrud’s experience shaped the educational framework, enhancing the capacity of Croatian stakeholders.Through this partnership, a training program was developed for the advocacy coalition, equipping them with the skills needed to work with decision-makers. A study visit to Iceland deepened participants'' understanding by showcasing social service integration, helping the coalition advocate for inclusive policies in Croatia.One significant benefit was the coalition’s increased advocacy capacity. With Einrud’s guidance, coalition members gained tools and strategies to engage effectively with local decision-makers, promoting the integration of inclusive social services and driving more informed policy discussions.Additionally, the partnership contributed to improving awareness about inclusive social services. Educational materials, including a video showcasing Icelandic practices, raised awareness about the importance of accessible, high-quality services for disadvantaged groups. This enhanced understanding laid the foundation for long-term changes in service delivery.The collaboration also fostered enhanced cooperation between local governments, service providers, and civil society organizations, especially in less-developed regions of Croatia. Einrud’s experience in Icelandic social service integration proved invaluable in encouraging this collaboration.Finally, the bilateral partnership played a key role in policy development. The advocacy strategies and examples from Iceland contributed to the creation of new policies aimed at improving local social services, guiding the planning and delivery of more inclusive and sustainable services across Croatia.