Working Group on Policy Formulation:
The objective of this working group is to see gaps in the sector and stimulate a dialogue with main stakeholders with a view to formulating a national psychosocial policy for the sector and influence national policies for the betterment of society.
Comprehensive, effective policies regarding psychosocial support are needed to legitimate and codify psychosocial support, create collective and institutional obligations and responsibilities for the provision of psychosocial support, enable effective coordination, and define appropriate standards of care and service provision. The policies of one country should link with significant international policy frameworks and be informed by the best practices identified in other areas. Effective policies are not defined by outsiders or elites from within but are the product of broad, partnership oriented dialogue and a sense of collective ownership at multiple levels.
The WG envisioned a process to look in to aspects of influencing national policies and the initiation to the construction of a national policy framework for psychosocial work. With this regard the WG had had many consultations and have outlined the following aspects to the key in terms of bringing a framework for a Psychosocial Policy within Sri Lanka
A definition of psychosocial well-being that reflects multidisciplinary perspectives and multi-sectoral approaches to intervention
A regulatory framework and mechanism for the psychosocial sector (quality, avoid harm, equitable distribution) and criteria for selecting personnel to achieve this
� A vision for the development of the sector and services that relates to capacity building, coordination, research, and development in the sector
� Minimum standards for establishing and maintaining quality services
� Minimum standards and guidelines for training, practice, and continuing professional development of psychosocial practitioners at multiple levels
� Guidelines for resource allocation and acquisition to implement policy and related plans of action
� Links to significant international policy frameworks and reference to good practices from other nations
� Guidelines for effective coordination at national and regional levels
� Consistency with local socio-cultural norms and practices, with sensitivity to diversity within groups or communities; must be built on existing research and experiences from Sri Lanka
Member of the Working Group:
organizations and individuals for this working group consists of Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA), HELVETAS, Lifeline, Janayaboda Kendraya, Shrama Abhimana Fundation, Mr .K.BN Rathnayaka (Independent), UNFPA, UNICEF, Independent Consultant (ADB), Care International, GTZ -NIE.
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