INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF EDUCATIVE COMMUNITIES

Organized by FICE Croatia and co-hosted by FICE International, the 35th FICE International World Congress brought together a global community of professionals, academics, policymakers, and care-experienced individuals under the theme “Shaping Tomorrow’s Care for Children and Youth: Quality and Innovation in Alternative Care.”

Held in Split, Croatia, this three-day event featured over 120 presentations, workshops, and panel discussions addressing key challenges and innovations in child and youth care. Participants from more than 45 countries collaborated on sharing insights, best practices, and strategies to improve alternative care systems and enhance support for vulnerable children.

A defining feature of the Congress was its focus on elevating youth voices, particularly through the involvement of care-experienced individuals. The Care-Experienced Expert Group offered critical perspectives on systemic issues, while youth-centered panels and debates reinforced the importance of their active role in shaping effective policies and practices.

Keynote lectures emphasized research-driven approaches. Prof. Branka Sladović-Franz highlighted the necessity of trauma-informed care to improve transitions and outcomes for children, while Dr. Kiaras Gharabaghi challenged traditional care paradigms, advocating for inclusive, community-driven solutions that better address the complexities of care.

The Congress also explored innovations in residential and foster care, tackling challenges such as digital safety for children and support for teenagers in care. Programs like the “Hand-in-Hand” initiative demonstrated successful models for addressing the needs of displaced children, including those affected by war.

Mental health and well-being were central themes throughout the discussions. Research presented at the event underscored the importance of emotional regulation for caregivers and children in fostering resilience and creating supportive environments. Sessions on compassion fatigue and caregiver support offered actionable strategies to enhance the quality of care.

The Congress underscored the value of global collaboration in addressing shared challenges and highlighted programs such as the Aftercare Outreach Program as models for fostering independence and improving outcomes for care leavers. Policy discussions, including an examination of the European Child Guarantee, emphasized the need to expand access to education, housing, and social inclusion for vulnerable children.

Link to the full program here.