Perspectives of Preventive Programs in the Social Care System of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Prevention is defined differently depending on the scientific and professional context. In essence, prevention empowers individuals, groups and systems to solve problems and difficulties, promotes the protection of human rights, encourages the choice of healthy lifestyles and prosocial behavior, prevents unacceptable social behaviors and/or reduces their intensity. This paper aims to analyze the existing capacities for prevention in the social legislation of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with special emphasis on areas for the improvement of preventive interventions (and programs). The analysis of the social legislation of the FB&H indicated capacities for the application of preventive interventions and programs aimed at children and families, the application of the restorative justice model, the prevention of domestic violence, the development of foster care, and mode to prevent high-conflict divorces, as well. The same analysis showed that the terms “prevention”, “deterrence” and “suppression” are rarely used in local legislation, and there are no instructions for the implementation of (preventive) activities; moreover, there are no regulations for the implementation of preventive interventions, while possible preventive activities represent measures and procedures from jurisdiction. In the analysis of local and foreign literature, there are strong points for the implementation of preventive interventions (and programs) through services for preventive work and/or the application of an integrated approach to prevention through specialized family centers in order to improve preventive efficiency in the social welfare system as well as the community, which represents a significant step towards providing preventive services, increasing social inclusion and improving the quality of life of their users.