Prevention of Social Orphanhood in Uzbekistan: Interaction Between the State and Non-Governmental Organizations

Abstract

It is extremely important to analyze the role of non-governmental non-profit organizations (NGOs) in preventing social orphanhood during the ongoing transformation of the child social protection system in Uzbekistan. However, the experience of the Association “SOS – Children’s Villages of Uzbekistan” remains only partially integrated into state practice despite its alignment with international standards and consistency with the national priorities. At the same time, the mechanisms of interaction between governmental structures and NGOs in the conditions of increasing institutional control have not been sufficiently studied. The aim of the research is to assess the contribution of the Association "SOS – Children's Villages of Uzbekistan" to the development of family-based care, support for vulnerable families, and prevention of the loss of parental care, as well as to identify barriers to integrating its practices into the state system. The methodology includes a qualitative analysis of the Association’s program activities and regulatory documents, along with an examination of secondary data. The findings reveal that cooperation is hindered primarily by tendencies toward centralized control within the social policy, concerns about weakening the authority of state institutions, and competition for budgetary resources. The results contribute to the scientific understanding of sustainable intersectoral partnership in the social sphere.