Gatekeeping | Better Care Network

Gatekeeping

"Gatekeeping," as it is used on this web site, is the process of referring children and families to appropriate services or care arrangements with the aim of limiting the number of inappropriate placements. Gatekeeping is an essential tool in diverting children from unnecessary initial entry into alternative care, and reducing the numbers of children entering institutions. Gatekeeping is often carried out by social welfare professionals or trained staff at institutions, but is often aided by members of the community and local service providers.

Effective and fair gatekeeping requires a system of safeguards and monitoring to prevent system abuse, and to ensure access to services for those who are most vulnerable. It is dependent upon an assessment and allocation process which is systematic and fair and the availability of a range of family support services and community based care options. Such supports may include economic strengthening, social assistance programmes, family services, including day care, and health or education provision.

To support family unity and prevent the unnecessary entry of a child into the care system, a thorough assessment of the child’s individual needs is required in order to determine the most suitable family support service or alternative community care option. This should be combined with a high threshold for admission into care. The care plan for the child and the available services require regular reviews, with the emphasis on the best interests of the child.

The use of gatekeeping to reduce the institutionalisation of children requires a commitment to appropriate child care policies at state level. Resources and staff must be sufficient to assess needs and service entitlement, and provide services for children and their families. Such efforts require a high level of co-ordination between providers from government and non-governmental child care organisations.

The documents in this section provide information on mechanisms for effective gatekeeping in order to reduce the unnecessary entry of a child into out-of-home care and avoid inappropriate forms of care.

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Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children - Arabic

UN General Assembly A/RES/64/142, 24 Feb 2010

The Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children were endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly on 20th November 2009, in connection with the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This momentous day marked a culmination of years of discussions and negotiations led by the Government of Brazil, in partnership with Group of Friends and civil society.

Directrices sobre las modalidades alternativas de cuidado de los niños

UN General Assembly A/RES/64/142, 24 Feb 2010

Las directrices sobre las modalidades alternativas de cuidado de los niños fueron endosados por la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas el 20 de noviembre de 2009, en conexión con el 20a aniversario de la Convención de los Derechos del Niño de la ONU.

Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children - Russian

UN General Assembly A/RES/64/142, 24 Feb 2010

Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children - English

UN General Assembly A/RES/64/142, 23 Feb 2010

Practical Guide: System for Prevention of Child Separation from the Family (Moldova)

Minister of Social Protection, Family and Child and DFID/SIDA , 31 Dec 2009

This "Practical Guide: System for Prevention of Child Separation from the Family" was developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Protection, Family and Child with technical support from the "Support to the Delivery of Efficient and Sustainable Social Assistance Services” project implemented by OPM/EveryChild Moldova, funded by DFID/SIDA.

U.S. Government and Partners: Working Together on a Comprehensive, Coordinated and Effective Response to Highly Vulnerable Children

USG Secretariat for Orphans and Vulnerable Children , 01 Dec 2009

Provides global estimates of the number of highly vulnerable children; a summary of United States Government (USG) assistance programs for highly vulnerable children; a summary of progress coordinating the response among USG agencies; key strategic issues and opportunities; priorities for 2009–2010 and beyond; and a summary of the results and achievements of USG assistance

Development of Alternative Services, including Foster Care, within the Framework of Reforming Child Protection System

UNICEF, Nelly Petrova-Dimitrova, 20 Nov 2009

The following is a summary of the Bulgarian experience in implementing a comprehensive reform of the care and protection system for children at-risk.

Every child deserves a family: EveryChild's approach to children without parental care

Emily Delap , 01 Nov 2009

This document outlines EveryChild’s approach to the growing problem of children without parental care by defining key concepts, analysing the nature and extent of the problem, exploring factors which place children at risk of losing parental care, and examining the impact of a loss of parental care on children’s rights.

Local gatekeeping functions

Peter Evans, 14 May 2009

This presentation, conducted by Peter Evans at the Second Child Protection Forum in Bishkek from 12 to14 May, 2009, includes information on gatekeeping, including a definition, the components of gatekeeping, a flowchart of entry routes for children into institutions, outlines of assessments and intervention plans, monthly monitoring and information systems, and more.

Assessment of USAID Child Welfare Programs in Russia

Terra P Group , 13 May 2009

The child welfare programs, funded by USAID in Russia, were designed to pilot, disseminate, and help institutionalize modern child welfare services, particularly, child abandonment prevention and professional support of vulnerable children, child welfare institutions, and substitute families. This report reviews program results and sets out recommendations for future program design.