The Importance of Knowledge Networks in Advancing Child Care Reform

Mobilizing Knowledge Networks for Development

Helping the Young and VulnerableJune 2012

PRESENTATION OBJECTIVES

Through Better Care Network’s model, how knowledge networks can ultimately help organizations better serve children and families

Networks: catalysts for change for children

Children without parental care

Large number of childrenMany issues

Very few safeguards

Need for support, information sharing, building alternative care

community, international standards, increased research and awareness

raising

Better Care Network (BCN)

WHAT:WHAT: An interagency network working An interagency network working on the issue of on the issue of children without adequate children without adequate family carefamily care..

WHO: WHO: BCN Steering Committee, BCN Steering Committee, Secretariat, Advisory Group, Listserv Secretariat, Advisory Group, Listserv Membership Membership

PURPOSE: PURPOSE: To To facilitate active information exchange facilitate active information exchange

and collaborationand collaboration To To advocate for technically sound policy advocate for technically sound policy

and programmatic action on global, and programmatic action on global, regional and national levelsregional and national levels

Knowledge

Broker

Technical

Guidance

Networking &

Convening

Increased Information Exchange, Collaborati

on and Advocacy

for Improved Care for Children without

Adequate Parental

Care

Pillars of the Better Care Network

BCN Steering Committ

ee

BCN Secretari

at

BCN Advisory

Group

Networks as Knowledge Broker Web-based forums to share international and

national level developments across a community of practice

Profile cutting edge research emerging across sectors that influence the care community

Share examples of program design that translate principles into practice

Support practitioners awareness and application of key international instruments and frameworks

Identify emerging knowledge and research needs

Examples of Knowledge Broker BCN Website:

www.bettercarenetwork.org

Largest clearing house of research, program and policy guidance and tools

Access from 162 countries

Networks as Knowledge Broker Bi-monthly

Newsletter Over 2,800

members Grown from

500 members in 2006

Networks as Knowledge Broker

BCN Working Paper SeriesRisk of Harm to Young Children in Institutional Care (2009) Families, Not Orphanages (2010)Cost Effectiveness of Family-Based Care (2011)Children with Disabilities and Alternative Care (2012)

Networks as Technical Support Access to global experts who donate time and expertise Facilitate peer exchange and sharing of experiences

and resources Contextualize and tailor collective body of knowledge to

the specific need of members Supporting partners in development of legislation,

strategies and programs for child care reform Collaborating with key stakeholders to develop tools

and minimum standards for child protection and alternative care

Informing training and capacity buildingFree and public access to sector relevant

information, combined with direct peer support and expert guidance

Examples of Technical Support Development &

Dissemination of Technical Tools Better Care Network

Toolkit http://bettercaretoolkit.org/bcn/toolkit/

Manual for the Measurement of Indicators for Children in Formal Care (BCN/UNICEF)

Networks to Foster Exchange and Advocate for Change

Create momentum and learning by supporting exchange between networks and alliances at national, regional and global levels

Ability to convene a critical mass of voices to advance common agendas

Ability to convene across key bi-laterals, governments and NGOs to move from commitments to implementation of national and international frameworks and collectively advocate for political will and fiscal investment

Examples of Networks to Foster Exchange and Advocate for Change

Regional and Global Conferences Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa Conference on Family Strengthening

and Alternative Care (Senegal, May 2012) Family Based Care Conference in Africa (Nairobi, 2009) Quality in Alternative Care Conference (Prague, 2011) The Neglected Agenda: Protecting Children without Adequate Parental

Care Conference (UK, 2009)

Support National Networks BCN Netherlands Malawi et Ethiopia National Networks

Document and Share Country Practices Webinars to foster country exchange and

maintain momentum

Thank You

For more information Visit BCN website:

www.bettercarenetwork.org Visit BCN toolkit: http://

bettercaretoolkit.org/bcn/toolkit/ Sign-up for bi-monthly newsletter Contact BCN Secretariat:

Severine Chevrel: schevrel@unicef.org, +1.212.326.7384

Kathleen Riordan: kriordan@unicef.org, +1.212.326.7104