3.1: Social Services and Protection for Vulnerable Populations

Help especially vulnerable populations manage risks and gain access to opportunities that support their full and productive participation in society.

Other Information:

Our objective in this area is to help especially vulnerable populations manage risks and gain access to opportunities that support their full and productive participation in society. Providing a social safety net for and protecting the rights of such groups are among a nation’s greatest responsibilities. The U.S. Government supports policies, regulations, systems and capacities to develop or reform safety nets. When structured effectively, safety nets provided by governments, international organizations, and NGOs can mitigate the long-term and social economic impacts of conflict and torture, and help populations rebound from temporary adversity or cope with chronic poverty, reduce vulnerability, and increase self-reliance. These services build faith in state institutions and political support for effective governance. Social services will assist those whose needs are not addressed under humanitarian assistance or other programs, facilitating a transition from humanitarian relief to longer-term development and growth. These include groups such as: the disabled; orphans, children, and at-risk youth; victims of trafficking, gender-based violence, or torture; refugees, returnees, ethnic minorities, internally displaced or other socially excluded groups; the elderly; and female heads of household. Services may protect groups, mitigate adverse conditions they face, or remove barriers to help integrate them into society. Components may include measures to: increase the capacity of local service and advocacy NGOs, and professional social workers; establish public/private service delivery partnerships, and family and community-focused service models; establish effective referral networks; develop appropriate service protocols and methods for screening prospective recipients; and improve public understanding and sensitivity to the needs of the vulnerable. For the poor or those suffering from temporary shocks, financial or technical support is provided to meet basic needs, enable cash transfers with conditions, and provide subsidized access to key services.

Stakeholder(s):

• Vulnerable Populations

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

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