The Importance of Knowledge Networks in Advancing Child Care Reform Mobilizing Knowledge Networks for Development Helping the Young and Vulnerable June 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 children Many 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: An interagency network working on the issue of children without adequate family care.  WHO: BCN Steering Committee, Secretariat, Advisory Group, Listserv Membership  PURPOSE:  To facilitate active information exchange and collaboration  To advocate for technically sound policy and programmatic action on global, regional and national levels

Knowledge Broker Technical Guidance Networking & Convening Increased Information Exchange, Collaboration and Advocacy for Improved Care for Children without Adequate Parental Care Pillars of the Better Care Network BCN Steering Committee BCN Secretariat 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:  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 Series  Risk 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 building Free 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  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:  Visit BCN toolkit:  Sign-up for bi-monthly newsletter  Contact BCN Secretariat: Severine Chevrel: Kathleen Riordan: