| Abstract [eng] |
Inter-institutional cooperation in social work with families at social risk is understood as a well- coordinated system of cooperation focused on solving the complex problems experienced by the family, taking into account the totality of the interaction processes in the service network, ensuring that clients receive the necessary, accessible and effective services. The aim of the research is to find out how representatives of different institutions understand the content and meaning of inter-institutional cooperation in providing assistance to families at social risk. The objectives of the research: To analyse the concept of inter-agency cooperation in the context of family social assistance. To reveal the significance of institutional cooperation in the development of cooperation through the social network approach. To provide an overview of the legal framework for institutional cooperation in social work with families. To examine the development of cooperation between the municipal institutions in Šilutė district providing services to families at social risk at the level of Šilutė district. The methods of the research: analysis and summary of scientific literature, statistical data and legal documents. Semi-structured interview method was used for the qualitative research. Content analysis method was used for data processing. The research sample consisted of: 11 professionals from different institutions from social services, social assistance, child rights protection services, health, education, law enforcement, and NGOs. Results of the research. Inter-institutional cooperation is indicated as a method that helps to systematically assess the situation of families at social risk, sharing information, working in a team more effectively solves family problems. The emphasis is on formal cooperation to exchange relevant information and to sign a family support plan during case manager meetings. It was revealed that not all stakeholders in the support network are equally involved in the process of cooperation, there is a lack of mental health services in the district, and many informants would like to see more active forms of cooperation and more coordination of the cooperation system. Conclusion. The benefits of institutional cooperation are highlighted, but the effective results of inter- institutional cooperation in working with families at social risk are hampered by the gaps in the coordination of the process, the need for missing services in the district, and the problems of interaction resulting from the lack of motivation and involvement of professionals. |
