The introductory conference “Caring Communities – Towards Sustainable Financing of Social Care Services” was held in Belgrade on April 25, 2024. This event was organized by the Republic Institute for Social Protection and the Network of Organizations for Children of Serbia.
The “Caring Communities” initiative aims to improve the quality of life for people in need of care in the Danube region. Through capacity building for innovation and interregional cooperation structures, involving various private and public actors and with the support of the academic community, this initiative strives to address the problems faced by people across Europe.
The introductory event was an opportunity to exchange ideas within the “Caring Communities” initiative and to consider the possibilities of active involvement of all relevant partners.
In her opening address, Marina Drašković Simović, Director of the Republic Institute for Social Protection, emphasized the importance of this gathering in the context of improving social care services in Serbia. Following her, Saša Stefanović, Director of MODS, presented the “Caring Communities” project as an opportunity for transnational cooperation, highlighting the need for international collaboration in addressing social challenges.
Prof. Dr. Natalija Perišić from the Faculty of Political Sciences presented the basic features of the social security system in the Republic of Serbia, while Jelena Pešić Zarić from the Republic Institute for Social Protection provided an overview of the prevalence of social protection services in the Republic of Serbia.
Sanja Miloradović from the Center for Social Policy, Gordana Milovanović from Helpnet, and Lidija Bukvić from CEPORA spoke about support practices for continuous and long-term care, emphasizing the importance of support for the most vulnerable members of society.
Moderator Slavica Milojević from the Republic Institute for Social Protection successfully led the discussion, ensuring that key topics and perspectives were covered.
The project “Caring Communities – Transnational Approaches for Multiple Transformative Changes in Home Care and Community Development in the Danube Region” is supported under the transnational cooperation program for the Danube region and includes 25 partners from 9 Danube region countries from January 2024 to June 2026.
