Opportunities for advancing social policy in reducing child poverty: The perspective of key stakeholders

On the basis of an analysis that revealed a gap between European Union guidelines, national strategies, and social policy programmes on the one hand and specific achievements in the combating of poverty and social exclusion of children in Croatia on the other, the aim of this paper was to deepen the understanding of circumstances contributing to or aggravating the efficiency of the social policy in the fight against child poverty and of opportunities for advancing social action in this area. The research included 13 key stakeholders who were selected deliberately in view of their expected competence concerning the topic and their experience: seven officials or high-ranking experts at the level of state bodies or local government and self-government, three key persons from prominent civil society organisations, and three independent experts. The data was collected via the method of semi-structured interview. The analysis showed a high level of agreement among key stakeholders concerning the lack of any substantial (political and social) interest in child poverty and concerning the inefficiency of social policy in reducing child poverty. It also emphasized the need to change the socioeconomic environment, strategic framework, current public policy practices as well as the need to ensure socially responsible action and responsibility on the part of all stakeholders for the prevention and reduction of child poverty. The findings were discussed in seven key points. The first relates to the necessity of considering poverty from the perspective of the rights of the child and the promotion of child well-being. Following a critical review of the indicators of inefficiency of social policies in the combating of child poverty, especially the absence of a multidimensional and comprehensive approach in the eradiction of child poverty, we advocate an integrated instead of a fragmented approach to child poverty. Special attention is paid to the key role of the state and the necessity to veer the discourse from the abuse of social rights towards the importance of early investments and preventive programmes. In that respect, we also advocate the preventive role of educational institutions that should assume their share of responsibility as soon as possible as well as the strengthening of the role of civil society organisations in the prevention and mitigation of child poverty. Finally, we emphasize the necessity of systematic evaluations of the existing public policies and evidence-based action at all levels. In conclusion, we emphasize the opportunity that is available to the current Government of the Republic of Croatia to transform unfavourable trends and develop an integrated approach to child poverty