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Structures and Contacts


1. Structures

For a comprehensive view of the Social Policy structure, please consult our
» Social Policy Organisational Chart

 

1.a. Social Policy Commission

The Social Policy Commission (SPC) is in charge of shaping common policies and co-ordinating activities of Caritas Europa�s Member Organisations in the area of domestic social work. This contains in particular the issues of poverty and social exclusion, unemployment, social services and social security systems, the social agenda of the EU and the Council of Europe. The mandate covers action at supranational level whether it be multilateral co-operation between national Caritas organisations or relations and co-operation with third parties in particular with political institutions such as the EU.

» Members of the Social Policy Commission

 

1.b. Task Forces

Four Task Forces are currently working within the Social Policy structure: EU Task Force, HIV&AIDS Task Force, Home Care Task Force, and the Focal Point on Health

 

1.b.1 EU Task Force

The EU Task Force is a permanent working group on EU issues related to Social Policy and Civil Dialogue.

The objectives of the EU TF are:

    • To identify EU policies and initiatives of relevance for the Caritas network,

    • To formulate and suggest lines of action for Caritas Europa,

    • To provide input and feedback to the European Institutions,

    • To play an information role towards the Caritas Europa network on EU processes


These objectives are achieved mainly through:

    • Closely monitoring EU policy processes related to Social Inclusion and Social Protection, including health care issues, by following especially the initiatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament
    • Informing the network on EU policy issues
    • Preparing proactive positions to be officially adopted by Caritas Europa in those policy fields
    • Liaising and networking with other EU social NGOs and other relevant subjects in the public debate over EU Social Policies.                            
    • Linking with Thematic Groups: "A Learning and Working Europe", �Child Poverty� and "The Future of the Social Welfare State 


» Members of the EU Task Force

» More about the Thematic Groups Restricted area to Caritas Europa Member Organisations only

 

1.b.2. HIV & AIDS Task Force

The threat of HIV and AIDS is growing in Europe. If infection rates continue to grow as they do now, in particular, Central and Eastern European and Central Asian countries will experience an epidemic that could overwhelm their health infrastructure.

Different member organisations are already engaged in programs and projects � with their partners � that aim to respond to the HIV and AIDS problem.

Caritas Europa is currently also undertaking measures to address this issue at the level of our European network. Amongst others, Caritas Europa has established an HIV and AIDS Task Force, working under the supervision of the Social Policy Commission. This task force designed and implemented a specific work plan, which includes the organisation of an important Caritas Europa Conference on HIV and AIDS in the first half of 2007.

In the meantime, a comprehensive database and fact file on HIV and AIDS for each individual country of Europe and Central Asia is being compiled. 

The Caritas Europa survey on HIV & AIDS (English, French, German, and Russian versions) aims to collect relevant information with regard to the response of all Caritas Member Organisations and the Church.  

» Members of the HIV & AIDS Task Force

 

1.b.3. Home Care Task Force

With a view to a rapidly ageing Europe, homecare provides a crucial answer to the increasing demands for care for the elderly. Homecare can supplement informal care with affordable and efficient medical care. At the same time home care strengthens civil society by linking private (family) and community responsibilities with social and health responsibilities of local and national governments.

Many national Caritas organisations engage in the support of sick, disabled and vulnerable elderly people. In December 2003, Caritas Europa created an ad hoc Home Care Working Group, which actively worked in 2005 and 2006 and was instrumental in exploring and shaping possibilities for fostering partnerships. It identified mid term objectives and successfully organised a number of meetings.

Since December 2005, Home Care works now linked to the Social Policy Commission and resides under Priority I of the Caritas Europa Strategic Plan.

Since 2006 Caritas Europa holds a Home Care Forum on biannual basis, through which member organisations are offered a forum to meet, exchange experiences and update their capacity and skills in this field.

» Members of the Home Care Task Force

» Home Care Forum - All the editions

 

1.b.4. Focal Point on Health

The Focal Point is a "group of experts" who, in collaboration with the Social Policy Commission, develops long term plans on this issue.

The main objective of the this structure is to support the work on the health dimension, which is a main thematic area for Caritas Europa.

The Focal Point on Health maximises the engagement and involvement of different member organisations in this field.

For further information, please contact:

Dominic Verhoeven
Caritas Belgium Vlaanderen
E-Mail: dominic.verhoeven@pandora.be


 


2. Contact Desk Officers

 

 

 
 

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