Over recent weeks and months, several initiatives have been launched to bring together experts in the fields of child protection and alternative care reform. The aim of these global workgroups or committees is to try to get past the current practice of many people/organisations working in parallel in countries, with a similar aim but different approaches. Something that is both inefficient and expensive. Plus it creates a lot of confusion. Getting past this and trying to develop a common approach and increased cooperation is a great, and important, goal. Though unfortunately not one that is within sight just yet.
All too often organisations or individual experts have their own agendas or specific areas of focus and expertise. This does not need to be an obstacle, as bringing together high level experts with different backgrounds is a distinct advantage when it comes to ensuring comprehensive, effective approaches. However, to reach this benefit of a diverse group, it is necessary for everyone to listen with an open mind and to look at how all the different pieces can fit together to compliment and strengthen each other. Unfortunately, it is very rare to find groups like this where the participants are willing to do that.
The focus on advocacy for their particular cause often becomes so paramount for these experts, that they struggle to put this aside and join in a collaborative form of cooperation instead. Organisations are used to competing for donations and grants, their whole existence and way of working is based on trying to stay ahead of the competitors. These are not things easily put aside. Nor are the egos that sometimes develop when people reach a certain level of international acclaim.
This is a real shame. Because if we can find a way to work together, with a focus on better child protection for vulnerable children, rather than on who added what to it exactly, these kinds of groups could be a force to be reckoned with. And would probably be able to bring astonishing change and improvements in a relatively short time span.
I am really hoping that the groups that I am taking part in – as well as others that have been set up – will be able to overcome these obstacles and to become a collective driving force to make sure that vulnerable children are better supported and protected.
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