Description
Vulnerable groups in Satu Mare (Romania) face multiple problems. Local resources for developing adequate social services are scarce but there is also a lack of coordination between different public and private organizations acting to support social inclusion of vulnerable peoples. The objective of the project is to facilitate access to social and basic services for disadvantaged peoples in Satu Mare. Through the project an inter-sectoral partnership will be developed creating appropriate framework, means and tools for increased effectiveness of social intervention with vulnerable peoples. The project will also strengthen local NGOs’ capacity and will promote a favorable frame for the non-government sector. Social and basic services will be created and developed and various events and actions will be organized to promote nondiscrimination and involvement of the local community. The project will benefit disadvantaged groups, including Roma and NGOs /public institutions.
Summary of project results
Vulnerable groups in Satu Mare city face multiple problems. Local resources for developing adequate social services are scarce and there is also a lack of coordination between different public and private organisations acting to support social inclusion of vulnerable people. Social inclusion was addressed through the project at three fundamental levels: vulnerable groups’ level, institutions/organisations’ level and community’s level. Through a mobile team, 487 disadvantaged individuals (out of which 400 Roma ethnics) received support, counselling and mediation to access social entitlements (identification documents, social welfare, family support allowance, social housing, access to medical care and medication, basic aids). In a day centre, 231 children from families with social problems received different types of services: literacy, vocational counselling, education for health, counselling and mediation for accessing medical services etc. An inter-sectoral working group based on formal partnership between 11 NGOs and 18 institutions was established. The group was involved in the "Evaluation of needs and accessibility to social services of vulnerable groups in Satu Mare", that showed that almost 44% of the adults in difficulty are illiterates and only 1 person out of 5 has a job; 1 out of 2 children under age of 6 living in marginalised families doesn't go to kindergarten, 1 out of 3 children aged 6 to 14 doesn't go to school and more than half of teenagers have already abandoned school. Other major problems that were identified are: parenting roles are wrongly assumed or show a deficit; domestic violence; work exploitation; health problems and underdeveloped skills. Based on the results of the research, the working group developed "The strategic plan of development for social field in Satu Mare city by year 2020". A case management methodology for integrated social services was built and adopted by the working group. To increase the involvement of community members in supporting social inclusion of vulnerable groups, over 3,200 people have directly participated in events and public actions, while 15,000 people were reached through a media campaign which tackled non-discrimination (especially of Roma), tolerance and active involvement of citizens.
Summary of bilateral results