Changing the Way We Care progress report Q1/FY24

The initiative operates in three demonstration countries: the Republic of Guatemala, the Republic of Kenya, and the Republic of Moldova. In these countries, Changing the Way We Care works to strengthen families and reform national systems of care for children through family reunification and reintegration, as well as through alternative family-based care. In Guatemala, Changing the Way We Care provided ongoing support and technical assistance to 20 individuals from 13 families in the Foster Care Family Network, Acogiendo Corazones. The initiative conducted safeguarding training to enhance parental capacities and ensure the safety of children, adolescents, and adults at risk of abuse and exploitation. The Latin American Network of Careleavers convened their Fifth Congress in Santiago, Chile, featuring participation from the PWLE group, Unidos por el Cambio. The conference focused on influencing public policies and improving conditions for the transition of young people exiting alternative care. Changing the Way We Care also presented a proposal to the Guatemalan National Adoption Council advocating for the inclusion of case management in its quality standards to support the reunification and reintegration of children and adolescents in private residential care facilities. The initiative aims to scale up and institutionalize the Changing the Way We Care methodology in the coming quarters. The Municipal Public Policy for Family Strengthening, Children, Adolescents, and Youth 2024-2030 was publicly presented to strategic social actors in the municipalities of Gualán, Estanzuela, and Río Hondo, marking the initial step before approval by the Municipal Council in subsequent quarters. In Kenya, Changing the Way We Care collaborated on the inauguration of the Nyamira County Persons with Disability Act 2023. The initiative continues its advocacy efforts, aiming to secure funding for essential services and collaborating with the Department of Child Services to address reporting challenges. Changing the Way We Care also conducted a family strengthening workshop for staff of the Palestina de Los Altos Municipality's Children's Office and the coordinator of the Olintepeque Municipality's Children's Office, in the department of Quetzaltenango. In Moldova, Changing the Way We Care participated in an international expert consultation meeting, contributing to global discussions on care reform. The initiative faces challenges due to insufficient resources hindering the Government's capacity to implement child protection reforms. However, Changing the Way We Care continues to work towards its core objectives, striving to reshape childcare practices and fortify structures ensuring children's well-being worldwide. The Changing the Way We Care initiative has made notable progress in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2024. In Guatemala, the initiative has provided ongoing support to 20 individuals from 13 families, conducted safeguarding training, and presented a proposal to the Guatemalan National Adoption Council. In Kenya, Changing the Way We Care has collaborated on the inauguration of the Nyamira County Persons with Disability Act 2023 and continues its advocacy efforts. In Moldova, the initiative has participated in an international expert consultation meeting and continues to work towards its core objectives. The Changing the Way We Care initiative has several key objectives, including strengthening families, reforming national systems of care for children, and promoting safe, nurturing family care. The initiative operates in three demonstration countries and uses learning from demonstration work to influence others and build momentum for better care for children. Changing the Way We Care has made significant progress in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2024, and its efforts continue to shape childcare practices and fortify structures ensuring children's well-being worldwide.