The first comprehensive “Benchmarking Report on Parenting Support Policies and Programs in the Republic of Serbia” aims to support national and local efforts to improve the availability and quality of systemic, cross-sectoral support for parents and caregivers in Serbia, in order to ensure the optimal development of children and young people.
The report was developed using the “Parenting Policy Assessment and Benchmarking Tool for Universal Parenting Support”, an international instrument that assesses the maturity of parenting support systems across 12 domains and standards. These standards and accompanying indicators cover legislation and policies, leadership and coordination, evidence-based programming, a life-course and multi-tiered approach, outreach to the most vulnerable, coverage and sustainability, service delivery platforms, human resources, financing, data monitoring as well as social norms.
The report is the result of a collaborative efforts involving a national team of experts and practitioners, decision-makers, partners, parents, and UNICEF teams in Serbia and New York.
It is expected that the report’s recommendations will foster concrete actions among decision-makers, professionals, and practitioners working in early childhood and adolescent development through parenting support — such as the adoption of a cross-sectoral national action plan accompanied by targeted and budgeted measures.
