Officials signed a collaboration agreement today for vulnerable children in Reykjavík. The agreement aims to further develop cooperation based on laws and Reykjavík City policy to ensure care and protection of children against violence or other degrading behavior.
The police chief in the capital area, district commissioner, healthcare services, School and Recreational Services, and the Children and Family Division at Reykjavík City Centers, Child Protection Services, and secondary schools in Reykjavík have decided to work together to promote prosperity for vulnerable children.
The agreement was signed in the City Council Chamber at Reykjavík City Hall today.
Successful model in Vestmannaeyjar
The agreement follows work done by the state and Vestmannaeyjar municipality in 2020. There has long been a lack of cooperation between state and municipal institutions regarding vulnerable children involved in violence cases, both those who commit violence and those who are victims.
Following the successful declaration in Vestmannaeyjar, a similar experiment was decided for a district (South Center, Breiðholt), municipality (Mosfellsbær) and region (Northeast Iceland). Partners were the same as now: municipality with schools, recreational activities, social services and child protection, district commissioner, healthcare and police. The agreement aligns with the Act on the Integration of Services in the Interest of Children's Prosperity, requiring partners to monitor children's needs, respond and establish cooperation..
Workshops held for all City Centers
Significant effort has been put into establishing an agreement for the entire city. Over 100 people participated in a workshop at Valur Sports Complex last fall, discussing "Vulnerable Children." Similar workshops will be held for all Centers in Reykjavík. The workshops aim to increase children's chances of prosperity by enhancing cooperation between district entities serving them, especially those in contact with vulnerable children due to various forms of violence and neglect.
Emphasis is placed on cooperation on general prevention and linking the project to Reykjavík City's prevention plan approved earlier this year.