2025 FICE International members gathering in Vienna, Austria
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
FICE International Meets in Vienna to Strengthen Global Collaboration in Child and Youth Care
From 15 to 17 September 2025, members of FICE International gathered in Vienna, Austria, for a series of meetings bringing together the General Assembly and the Federal Council, kindly hosted by FICE Austria. Over three days, representatives from across the global network met both in person and online to reflect on progress, strengthen collaboration, and shape the future direction of the network.
The meetings brought together national sections, organizational members, and partners from multiple regions, highlighting the diversity and strength of the FICE network.
A Strong and Growing International Network
The General Assembly reaffirmed the importance of FICE as a global platform for exchange, collaboration, and advocacy in the field of child and youth care. Members reviewed the achievements of the past year, including international activities, working groups, and the successful World Congress held in Split in 2024.
FICE continues to grow as a network, with new members joining and others progressing in their membership journey. The Assembly also welcomed new organizational members, further strengthening international cooperation and shared expertise in supporting children and young people.
Shaping the Future: Strategy and Priorities
A key focus of the Vienna meetings was the development of FICE’s strategic direction for the coming years. Through interactive sessions and collaborative workshops, members explored how to strengthen engagement, improve knowledge sharing, and enhance the impact of FICE’s work globally.
Exchange, Learning, and Collaboration
One of the highlights of the Federal Council was an interactive “Market Place” session, where members presented their work, shared expertise, and identified opportunities for collaboration.
This dynamic exchange resulted in numerous new connections. Members identified shared priorities such as leaving care, quality in alternative care, workforce development, and advocacy.
Advancing Quality in Alternative Care
An important thematic focus of the meeting was the ongoing work on a FICE International statement on quality alternative care. The discussions emphasized the need for diverse, context-sensitive approaches that respond to the realities of children and young people across different regions.
Members contributed to refining the statement, highlighting key principles such as:
Child participation and voice
The importance of relationships and community connections
Professional support and workforce development
A broad understanding of quality beyond one single model of care
This work reflects FICE’s commitment to promoting inclusive, child-centred care systems worldwide.
Strengthening Regional and Global Connections
Regional meetings further reinforced collaboration within and across regions, including Europe, Africa, and the newly emerging “Triple A” region connecting members from the Americas, Asia, and Oceania.
Looking Ahead
The Vienna meetings marked an important step in strengthening FICE International as a collaborative, member-driven network. With a clear strategic direction, and strong engagement from members, FICE continues to build momentum in its mission to improve the lives of children and young people in care.
The outcomes of these meetings will guide future activities, partnerships, and initiatives, reinforcing FICE’s role as a global platform for knowledge exchange, advocacy, and professional development in child and youth care.
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