Building Bridges: A milestone for social work in Romania
This is an article presenting the project prepared by the Policy Center for Roma and Minorities, Romania, given the subgrants under the ERGO sub-granting scheme 2024, funded by the EU
A bold step towards systemic change
In a significant development for Romania’s social sector, our member organisation, Policy Center for Roma and Minorities, has created an association that unites local social work departments under a single umbrella. The Association of the Public Services for Social Work (Asociația Serviciilor Publice de Asistență Socială) is the first of its kind, offering a platform for municipalities to collaborate, advocate for policy changes, and share expertise to improve social services for marginalised communities, particularly Roma people.
The process of forming the association was not straightforward. Local social work departments from Tulcea, Râmnicu Sărat, and Piatra Neamț municipalities had to navigate bureaucratic hurdles, particularly securing approval from local councils during elections. Despite these challenges, the association was legally established in August 2024 to enhance social service coordination at the national level.
Creating a platform for action
Following its establishment, the association quickly set up its website, a vital tool for knowledge-sharing and communication. Initially, debates arose regarding its content: some stakeholders pushed for a repository of legal and administrative documents, while others advocated for a more advocacy-focused structure. The final website balances both perspectives, offering sections on legislation, advocacy, open calls for proposals, and a dedicated members’ area.
The association’s launch event, held on 22–23 October 2024, was a major success. It brought together 60 participants, including social workers from across Romania and key figures such as Daniela Barbu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity, and Bogdan Simion, President of the Social and Economic Council of Romania. These discussions set the stage for future cooperation, with ministry officials offering guidance on navigating legislative barriers.
Strengthening institutional ties
Engaging with government institutions has been crucial to the association’s mission. Meetings with the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity and the Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration have opened new communication channels. In some cases, these discussions, lasting over two hours, have focused on clarifying intervention methods, harmonising legislation, and establishing direct contact points between the association and policymakers.
However, not all efforts bore fruit. Attempts to meet with the Ministry of EU Funds were unsuccessful due to scheduling conflicts and difficulties securing a point of contact. This highlights the ongoing challenges in bridging local and national levels of governance.
Training the next generation of advocates
Beyond policy engagement, the association has prioritised capacity-building. Two online training sessions were organised, reaching 20 NGO representatives. The first focused on project writing, equipping NGOs with the skills to secure funding for impactful initiatives. The second addressed collaboration with local and central authorities, a crucial aspect of ensuring Roma communities receive the support they need.
Participants found the sessions invaluable, particularly as many were new to grant writing and institutional engagement. Future training sessions will expand on these themes, responding to the evolving needs of grassroots organisations.
A model for other countries?
While still in its early stages, this initiative holds immense potential to inspire similar efforts across Europe. Many local administrations struggle with isolated decision-making and lack formal coordination structures. This association presents a replicable model where social work departments collaborate, rather than compete, to tackle systemic challenges.
The association aims to grow its membership beyond the initial three municipalities. Efforts are already underway to encourage more social work departments to join, despite the lengthy process of securing local council approval. Additionally, plans are in place to host a national consultation on case management procedures in 2025, bringing together multiple ministries and institutions.
Ensuring sustainability
The success of this association hinges on continued engagement with national authorities and expanding its membership base. While initial support from the ROMACT programme and ERGO Network has been instrumental, long-term sustainability will require strong institutional buy-in.
One promising direction is closer cooperation between social work departments and Roma NGOs, particularly in data collection and joint funding applications. Strengthening these relationships will ensure that Roma communities—among the most affected by social policies—are not just beneficiaries but active participants in shaping solutions.
This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when institutions work together with a shared vision. We hope this model will thrive in Romania and serve as a blueprint for social work reform across Europe.
If you have any further questions about this application, drop us an email at info@ergonetwork.org.
