Integrating child protection and social protection systems: Reflections on the Latin American case
Mr. Francisco Pilotti
International Consultant
Francisco Pilotti has over 40 years of specialization in the fields of social policy, demography, child welfare and social service management. Originally from Chile he has an M.A. in Sociology, University of Chile and is an M.A. and Ph.D. candidate in sociology and demography from Fordham University, New York. He has also completed graduate studies in social anthropology as well as advanced work in organizational development and social policy. This affords him a very broad perspective of the work taking place in child welfare.
He recently served as a visiting professor at the University of Wisconsin and Clemson University in the United States. He has also held teaching posts at the University of Chile, City University of New York and Universidad Diego Portales. Other professional accomplishments include consultancy to UNICEF and ECLAC of the United Nations and serving as Director of the Department of Social Development for the Organization of American States.
Mr. Pilotti has published over 25 books and articles on social policy and children’s issues in Latin America, Europe and the United States and his recent publications include the joint OAS-ECLAC-ILO study: Protección Social y Generación de Empleo (ECLAC, 2011). He has also served on the editorial board of CHILDHOOD (Sage), American Journal of Orthopsychiatry and the Argentinian journal Sociedades y Politicas.
Abstract
During the past decade, Latin America and the Caribbean experienced a significant decrease in poverty and inequality. This success is attributable both to economic growth and the impact of innovative social policies, which in... [ view full abstract ]
During the past decade, Latin America and the Caribbean experienced a significant decrease in poverty and inequality. This success is attributable both to economic growth and the impact of innovative social policies, which in some countries are framed as an integral social protection strategy. Social protection mechanisms are central to combating poverty, vulnerabilities, and social exclusion as well as to promoting rights and well-being. Many Latin American countries have adopted pioneering protection schemes aimed at promoting the survival and human capital of children. Among these programs are conditional cash transfers (CCTs), which transfer cash to families (usually mothers) based on the premise that households with children will use the funds to offset costs associated with the particular policy objective (e.g., sending children to school, health care centers and improving nutrition).
To ensure that these programs respond to children’s rights and well-being, UNICEF promotes the concept of child-sensitive social protection which is framed by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly children’s right to social security and to an adequate standard of living. From this perspective, social protection systems need to be responsive to the multiple and compounding vulnerabilities faced by children and their families and adopt an intergenerational approach which recognizes the critical role of caregivers, and the importance of addressing their broader vulnerabilities.
Chile’s social protection program, Chile Solidario, is unique in its understanding of the role of social inclusion in combatting poverty and its use of participatory techniques aimed at raising family members’ capabilities and awareness of their citizenship rights. This innovative approach offers powerful possibilities for linking child survival and development efforts to child protection concerns, particularly at a moment when the Chilean government has initiated the reform of its child welfare institutions.
Session
KN-6 » Keynote (11:00 - Wednesday, 17th September, Shiratori Hall)
