GASW conducted 2-day working meetings for all guardianship and care regional panel representatives of the Social Services Agency.
During one month a total of 3 working meetings were held. The Following topics were discussed within the frames of these meetings:
During one month a total of 3 working meetings were held. The Following topics were discussed within the frames of these meetings:
- The existing practice of making decisions related to children with disabilities and factors enhancing efficiency of these decisions;
- Situation regarding the rights of children with disabilities in Georgia and the role of panel members in protecting these rights;
- Importance of supporting anti-discriminatory practice and using acceptable terminology towards persons with disabilities; as well as the impact of stigma and factors supporting social inclusion;
- New model of a service for children with profound and severe disabilities – criteria for placement in 24-hour care, alternative service model, work of a multidisciplinary group, supervision mechanism and factors to consider in the individual development plan;
- Responsibility of the panel, especially when making sole decisions by panel heads; the importance of utilizing unified approach and understanding the interests, needs and functions of all involved parties;
- Existing services and problematic issues which require advocacy;
- Existing professional challenges and ways to solve them.
Observation over the engagement of the participants revealed that discussion of practical issues, as well as emphasizing the functions of the panel as a body studying the needs and providing recommendations was important for panel members. It was also important to share the best practices in various regions with the goal to establish these practices in new locations. Participants actively engaged in discussion, shared their own experience and expressed motivation and willingness to become more active and to increase the role of the panel in the processes taking place in the child welfare field. In addition, the need to hold similar periodic meetings was revealed in order to support effective functioning of the panel.
Working meetings were held within the frames of the project “Strengthening professionals to improve alternative services for children with severe and profound disabilities” which is funded by USAID and UNICEF. Within the frames of this project, it is planned to train social workers as well.
Working meetings were held within the frames of the project “Strengthening professionals to improve alternative services for children with severe and profound disabilities” which is funded by USAID and UNICEF. Within the frames of this project, it is planned to train social workers as well.
