The project aims to strengthen the inclusion and participation, equity, non-discrimination, active agency, and gender equality of people of migrant origin, victims of human trafficking, and the Roma population.
The project develops social services and produces nationally effective evidence-based practices and processes to ensure the accessibility of services. It also carries out comprehensive surveys of the current state of services.
Development efforts focus on participatory methods, impact assessment, and the broad dissemination and establishment of results as part of the permanent activities of organisations. The development of services focuses on people in particularly vulnerable positions who belong to several minorities simultaneously or groups otherwise at a higher risk of disadvantage.
Goals
In the content area for the development of services for migrants
- smoother social and health care processes for integrators are developed
- cooperation between NGOs and wellbeing services counties is promoted
- the use and accessibility of social services for migrants are examined
- the inclusivity of official communication is improved
- a psychoeducational intervention supporting the resources of migrants is modeled for use in wellbeing services counties.
In the content area for the development of services for victims of human trafficking
- the competence of professionals working in wellbeing services counties regarding human trafficking and helping victims is strengthened
- the access to services for victims of human trafficking is examined.
In the content area for the development of services for the Roma population, new operating models for social and health care services are created in accordance with the objectives of Finland’s National Roma Policy (ROMPO3). The aim is
- to create culturally sensitive tools for monitoring the service needs and inclusion of the Roma
- to safeguard the equity and accessibility of service structures for the Roma population
- to strengthen the active agency, resources, and life management skills of the Roma.
Implementation
Development of services for migrants
Central Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County (Keusote) identifies nationwide best practices in social and health care processes for people of migrant origin, as well as potential challenges in services within wellbeing services counties. During the project, new solutions are piloted and existing processes are clarified, taking into account the structural reform of integration services. Keusote will also establish a network (Kotu) for professionals working with integration in wellbeing services counties and carry out a report on the structures of immigration work in Finland from the perspective of the new Act on the Promotion of Immigrant Integration. Moniheli ry develops operating models that promote the accessibility of integration services.
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) examines the adequacy and availability of services for migrants in vulnerable positions, produces information on the accessibility of adult social work, and develops practices that promote equity. THL also develops a resource-based psychoeducational intervention in cooperation with migrants and professionals. Additionally, THL will draft a manual on accessible communication for social service and communication professionals.
Development of services for victims of human trafficking
The Vantaa and Kerava Wellbeing Services County will produce a manual on helping victims of human trafficking. THL will establish an online school, create an information package, and train professionals. Based on research regarding victims of human trafficking, two articles and national policy recommendations for the development of services will be produced.
Development of services for the Roma population
The University of Helsinki examines the social and health care experiences of Roma men and explores the concept of antigypsyism. The City of Kajaani collects experiential data on the service needs of the Roma and migrants and develops services together with the target groups.
Setlementti Tampere ry develops and models service paths that support inclusion, as well as operating models and training for cultural experts of Roma background, and organizes dialogue and peer workshops. Romano Missio ry implements a training program on the specific needs of Roma women for the personnel of wellbeing services counties and NGOs to improve the quality and accessibility of services.
Funding
European union and self-financing share of the participating organisations.
Partners
Agency – services that promote equity, antidiscrimination and participation is a group project involving eight operators, coordinated by THL.
The partners are:
- Central Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County
- City of Kajaani
- Moniheli ry
Aktiivinen toimijuus (Moniheli, in Finnish) - Romano Missio ry
Aktiivinen toimijuus -yhdenvertaisuutta, syrjimättömyyttä ja osallisuutta edistävät palvelut (Romano Missio ry, in Finnish) - Setlementti Tampere ry
Aktiivinen toimijuus -hanke (Setlementti Tampere ry, in Finnish) - University of Helsinki
- Vantaa and Kerava Wellbeing Services County
Contact details
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