1. Design and use of the data base on social services for families and children: regulatory purposes and case follow up
Mr. Muhamet Gjocaj
Head of the Department for Social Welfare, Ministry of Labour and Social
Welfare/Kosovo
Mr. Bajram Kelmendi
Head of the Social Services Division, Ministry of Labour and social

2. The social welfare system in Kosovo
The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW) responsible for social welfare in Kosovo
Social protection policies for children are implemented by Centres for Social Work (CSW) in each Municipality in Kosovo (31)
CSWs are responsible for two sectors: Social Assistance for poor families and all forms of social services for the needy population
In each Municipality there are Directorates for Health and Social Welfare which have limited responsibilities.
MLSW supported by DFID has drafted the strategy for decentralisation of social services.

3. The mandate of the CSWs:
Institutional pillars for social service provision within the Kosovo social services system.
The Law on Social and Family Services.
One social worker per approximately 10, 000 citizens.
Cooperate with NGOs, Courts, Police, Probation service, at local level.

4. Why a data base?
Need for a sustainable, efficient system for registration and follow up on individual clients.
Need for better data gathering system and analysis for evidence based policy making.
To assist the MLSW in monitoring the quality of social services.

5. The objectives of the data base
Improve the data on clients and services.
Improve the monitoring system and data analysis at the central level (MLSW/DSW)
To analyse trends on certain social issues.
To better monitor the workload of the CSWs
Better implementation of laws, regulations and standards.

6. The data base is organised at two levels – CSWs and MLSW
At the central level, the DSW has access to all data bases available at the CSWs.
At the municipal level, the CSW gathers and maintains data on their clients and regularly updates the central level (monthly reports)

7. The data base offers information on:
The number of clients
The type of services provided
Breakdown of clients and services by Municipality
Specific information for the client on,i.e: age, sex, ethnic background, etc.
Information on all stakeholders related to the case.
Information on case management process.

8. Challenges
Budget allocation for the sustainable maintenance of the data base.
Decentralisation of social services.
Lack of compatibility of the data base with other data bases in the MLSW and other relevant Ministries.
Lack of capacities to analyse and use the available statistics to inform policy development.

9. Evaluation findings
A modern well-structured information system contributes to social service improvement.
The data base proceeded the adoption of a regulatory framework.
A potential monitoring system on performance of social services against policy objectives.
A shift in approach to child protection: from strictly legal oriented towards preventive one.