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Description
The project will establish a Network of CSOs in local communities to increase the availability and quality of PSS for citizens at risk. The goal will be achieved through 3 phases: Res. 1: Formed CSO Network of PSC providers; Res. 2: Implemented development program of CSO support in accordance with the needs of citizens and advocating for the sustainability of PSC in local communities; Res. 3: Extending the reach of the Network and PSC to deprived areas and for particularly vulnerable groups.
Main activities: needs assesment in the field of PSC, launching the Network of PSC CSOs in Zagreb in phase 1 (phase 3 will include CSOs from deprived counties with a long-term goal of national coverage), preparation and implementation of advocacy and capacity building of Network members for social impact and sustainability and for specific counseling skills (e.g. multicultural counseling), defining quality standards for the provision of PSC by CSOs and educating CSOs in a deprived county.
Society for Psychological Assistance will coordinate and monitor implementation, together with Children First will coordinate the Network and conduct part of the training to strengthen the Network. The Institute for Labor Market Development will conduct needs assessment, educate the members of the Network, and develop a long-term plan for expanding the Network to other counties. Norway partner NewSchool will support development of the programme of the Network and capacity building for transfer of knowledge. City of Zagreb and CZSS Zagreb will contribute to the development of a sustainable model of financing and of quality standards.
Summary of project results
In Zagreb, approximately 40 civil society organizations (CSOs) provide free psychosocial counseling (PSS) services to around 3,000 individuals from economically vulnerable groups, such as victims of violence, people in crisis, children and youth with behavioral problems, and those with health issues. These groups are particularly at risk of social exclusion due to multiple challenges. Many users are referred by public institutions, and the number of referrals is continuously increasing. Various strategic plans highlight CSOs as key partners in improving access to social services and reducing regional inequalities. However, the high demand for services often results in long waiting lists and insufficient counseling hours per user, and such services are frequently unavailable in less developed counties.
The project aims to enhance the advocacy role of CSOs providing PSS and strengthen their capacity for reform-driven impact. It also seeks to improve methods in PSS to address the specific needs of vulnerable groups, contributing to social justice and inclusion. A key objective is to establish an informal network of at least 10 CSOs offering PSS for vulnerable groups. The network will be developed in three phases: initially, a working plan will be defined, and the needs of counseling services and users will be assessed. In the second phase, the network will focus on creating a shared platform to standardize service quality and advocate for an integrated approach to service delivery, improving availability and quality, and enhancing local resource management.
The third phase will involve transferring the established standards, advocacy experience, and professional skills to a deprived region, focusing on particularly vulnerable groups. The network aims to strengthen resilience to stress, promote personal responsibility, and improve problem-solving skills, contributing to social inclusion, workforce retention, family stability, and reduced violence. Additionally, the project seeks to promote sustainable financing models and better alignment of social service laws with the needs of vulnerable citizens.
The project focused on expanding the network of civil society organizations (CSOs) providing psychosocial counseling (PSS) services in Croatia, particularly to vulnerable groups at risk of social exclusion. The project had several phases and activities, with the primary aim of strengthening the capacity of CSOs, improving the quality of PSS services, and advocating for the sustainability of these services.
A 1.1. Mapping and Needs Assessment of CSO Counseling Services: The initial step involved mapping CSOs that provide PSS services. The mapping process examined publicly available information on CSOs receiving funding through national and local programs. A total of 96 organizations were identified, and 46 provided insights into their current operations. This research provided a detailed overview of the coverage, capacity, and needs of CSOs offering PSS services and served as a foundation for advocacy efforts.
A 1.2. Initial Gathering of CSOs into a Network: The project initially planned for 10 CSOs to join the network, but by the end of the project, 15 organizations had become members, including notable organizations like Ambidekster Klub, Hrabri telefon, and Iskra CES. Three of these organizations were from Karlovac County, a region identified as deprived. Throughout the project, the network collaborated on materials, advocacy efforts, and campaigns.
A 1.3. Defining the Network’s Work Program: A structured work program was developed, outlining the vision, mission, and mid-term goals of the network. This program aimed to guide the network''s activities and support the development of its members. The program was co-developed with the Norwegian partner, New School.
A 1.4. Evaluation and Redefining the Network’s Strategy: An evaluation was conducted to assess the progress of the network’s goals. The evaluation focused on three key objectives:
- Development of CSO capacities
- Improvement in the quality of PSS services
- Advocacy for the sustainability of PSS services.
The evaluation also contributed to the creation of a long-term strategy for the network, and further efforts to expand the network were planned, including partnerships with additional organizations.
A 2.1. Training in Advocacy for Intersectoral Collaboration: A strategy for advocating the sustainability of PSS services was created. The network’s advocacy efforts focused on raising public awareness about mental health protection and the network''s contributions to vulnerable groups. Capacity-building workshops were organized to strengthen the skills of experts and organizations in advocacy and integrated approaches to service delivery.
A 2.2. Advocacy Campaign Implementation: The network carried out advocacy campaigns to influence public policies. These efforts led to the participation of the network in public consultations on two regulations concerning the quality and accessibility of social services. The network successfully advocated for changes that would ensure the sustainability and accessibility of PSS services for vulnerable groups.
A 2.3. Development of Common Quality Standards: The network established common quality standards for PSS services, with input from both CSOs and public institutions. These standards aim to improve service delivery consistency and ensure that all citizens receive equal-quality services.
A 2.4. Additional Training in Standards Application and Advanced Professional Competencies: Around 20 professionals participated in training sessions focused on the application of quality standards and advanced professional skills in PSS.
A 2.5. Psychoeducational Campaigns: The network distributed 2,000 informational leaflets (both online and hard copy) to citizens in Zagreb and Karlovac County, informing them of their rights to PSS services and where to access them.
A 2.6. Supervision Program: The network implemented regular supervision sessions to support PSS counselors and improve their skills in case management and professional development.
A 3.1. Identification of Deprived Areas: Based on the mapping and needs assessment, Karlovac County was identified as a region with insufficient PSS coverage. Three organizations from this region were invited to join the network, contributing to the network''s expansion.
A 3.2. Capacity Development in Deprived Areas: Training and capacity-building activities were carried out in Karlovac County to strengthen local CSOs'' abilities to provide PSS. An action plan for expanding PSS services in this area was developed, and ongoing support was provided.
A 3.3. Long-term Expansion Plan: The network’s expansion into new areas was planned in two phases. The first phase focused on reaching out to interested and capable CSOs, while the second phase aimed to extend the network''s coverage to other counties with insufficient PSS service provision.
Overall, the project successfully expanded the network of CSOs providing PSS services, improved the quality of services, and advocated for the sustainability of these services. The activities contributed to the development of a comprehensive and sustainable approach to supporting vulnerable citizens in Croatia.
Through a psychoeducational campaign and participation in evaluation, users were able to learn more about the organizations in the Network, the social services they provide, and share their views on the quality of services through evaluations. The PSS services provided by the Network organizations were highly rated, with users expressing satisfaction and feeling supported and safe. Additional qualitative data were gathered through focus groups, allowing users to provide feedback on improving the service.
Experts and staff from CSOs, having completed capacity-building training, were better equipped to work in areas of interest and apply their new knowledge, improving service quality. The ongoing supervision support was also recognized as crucial for ensuring high-quality service, in line with legal regulations for social service providers.
The advocacy campaign successfully promoted better financial support for CSOs within the social care system, ensuring the long-term availability of PSS services. The campaign also advocated for the inclusion of adequate remuneration for social service contracts, ensuring the sustainability of PSS and other social services in CSOs.
A key success was influencing changes in regulations, which expanded the range of professionals eligible to provide PSS. Initially, only psychotherapists were allowed to provide this service, but thanks to Network intervention, it became available to professionals in helping professions with 100 hours of additional training.
The project also established better communication channels with local and national authorities, such as the City of Zagreb, the Croatian Institute for Social Work, and the Ministry of Labor, Pension System, Family, and Social Policy. This led to the inclusion of 5 more CSOs in the Network, which is now visible through its advocacy activities and will continue to expand based on its Long-Term Strategy and Plan in the coming years.
The project successfully established a Network of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in local communities aimed at increasing the accessibility and quality of psychosocial counseling services (PSS) for citizens at risk. The achievements were realized through three key phases of project implementation:
Formation of the Network of CSOs Providing PSS
The initial phase focused on building a network of CSOs offering PSS, which allowed for coordinated efforts and sharing of best practices. This network served as a platform for further development and cooperation in providing quality services to vulnerable citizens.Implementation of Programs for Supporting CSOs Based on the Needs of Citizens at Risk and Advocacy for the Sustainability of PSS in Local Communities
In the second phase, the project concentrated on capacity-building for CSOs, ensuring they could provide tailored support based on the needs of citizens at risk. This involved training in integrated service delivery, specific counseling skills, and the establishment of ongoing professional supervision. In addition, advocacy strategies were developed and implemented to secure the long-term sustainability of PSS services in local communities. Network members contributed to policy development, offered quality solutions for decision-makers, and participated in advocacy campaigns, strengthening partnerships with authorities and public institutions.Expanding the Reach of the Network and PSS to Deprived Areas (Karlovac County) and Particularly Vulnerable Groups
The final phase focused on extending the network’s reach to Karlovac County, identified as a deprived area with limited access to PSS services. The expansion also targeted particularly vulnerable groups in these areas, ensuring they had access to quality psychosocial support. The inclusion of new members from Karlovac County was essential in broadening the geographical coverage and further enhancing the network’s capacity to address the needs of marginalized populations.
Key Achievements:
Integrated Approach to Service Delivery: Network members and project partners were trained in an integrated approach to service provision, ensuring a holistic and effective way of addressing the needs of citizens at risk.
Development of Counseling Skills: Specific counseling techniques and strategies were taught, ensuring that professionals could effectively support those in need of psychosocial assistance.
Supervision as a Standard of Professional Support: A crucial aspect of the project was the establishment of regular supervision sessions, ensuring that counselors received ongoing professional guidance and development.
Standardization of PSS Services: One of the project’s key outcomes was the development of standardized guidelines for providing PSS services to socially vulnerable citizens. This standardization ensures that all citizens, regardless of location or service provider, will receive counseling of equal quality. This not only contributes to greater equity in service delivery but also supports good governance and management practices in providing public services.
Through these efforts, the project has helped create a sustainable and high-quality system for providing psychosocial counseling services to vulnerable individuals, while fostering stronger cooperation between civil society organizations and public authorities.
Summary of bilateral results
Study Visit to OsloIn 2023, DPP, along with its partners (DP and IRTR), visited the New School partner in Norway. The purpose of the visit was to gain insight into the operations of the Oslo-based organization, with a particular focus on their approach to intercultural collaboration, diversity, and inclusion, as well as observing the Norwegian approach to social innovation and entrepreneurship. The most significant experience was the visit to SoCentral, a startup incubator focused on social innovation and entrepreneurship. SoCentral''s unique approach to developing socially responsible businesses served as an ideal model for learning about advanced business practices in Norway.The partner from Norway, NewSchool, provided support in the development of the Network program and capacity building for knowledge transfer. The main focus of the study visit was to strengthen the participants'' capacity for more effective management of teaching processes, knowledge transfer, and competencies, as well as the systemic approach applied by the partner organization in working with educational institutions. Teaching aimed at activating the resources of participants in the education/training is essential for the educational activities that partner organizations carry out in their field with institutions (CZSS, schools, etc.), helping professionals, as well as for providing higher quality education services for self-financing and social entrepreneurship. During the visit to organizations in Oslo, the organizations prepared lectures for participants on their tools in the teaching process, collaboration with institutions in the local community, and discussed potential future collaborations.