Intersectoral Cooperation in Civil Society Sports Programs for Children Without Parental Care in Serbia

The social support network of children and adolescents without parental care in residential institutions extends beyond the institutional framework to include civil society activities, community based services, and alternative support programs. This trend highlights the need for research on multisectoral approaches within the social protection system. The present study examines sports and recreational support programs delivered by civil society organizations in residential institutions for children and adolescents without parental care. A qualitative approach was employed, based on interviews with representatives of the social protection system. The results indicate that sports activities represent the most accessible and frequently implemented form of support, provided by both professional staff and external collaborators. At the same time, the findings reveal a certain inconsistency in the quality of program implementation, which is influenced by differences in the expertise of civil society representatives, their understanding of the target group, and their level of preparedness for working within an institutional context. Furthermore, the findings emphasize that the continuity and long-term sustainability of sports and recreational programs are essential for establishing emotional support and maintaining stable relationships with beneficiaries. Overall, the results suggest that sports and recreational programs may serve as an important instrument of social inclusion and psychosocial support for children and adolescents in residential care within the context of expanding community services and the evolving role of the civil sector.