Questions and Answers

FICE is an international federation focused on the welfare and rights of children and young people. FICE advocates for high standards of services for children and young people world wide.

FICE hosts conferences, produces publications, runs the Professional Experience Program and many other projects. In general, FICE-International offers its members the chance to network, share knowledge and ideas, and to make friends with individuals in other countries who share a common vision and commitment about the future for children and young people.

While the National Members of FICE consist of organizations with a variety of focus topics, the lives and future of children and young people are FICE's main concern. However, many National Members of FICE have members who work with other groups. Many issues important to children are also of concern for other groups. However, FICE remains focused on children and young people.

FICE International works in three languages during its international events – English, French, and German. Many FICE members speak more than one language, and there are interpretation services available for those who need them.

FICE-International is made up of National Members, which are organisations that represent their countries on the Federal Council. They offer open membership so that individuals and agencies can join. Occasionally, two organisations share the representation of their country.

The Federal Council is the main body which manages FICE's business. It meets twice a year in different countries.

Presently, there are over thirty countries in membership, mainly from Europe, North America, Eastern Europe and Africa. FICE wishes to grow the membership to include members from all continents. There are over 100,000 individuals connected to FICE worldwide.

The Secretariat of FICE-International is provided at present by the office of the President, Monika Niederle, in Austria. Many of the National Members also have their own offices.

Yes. It is FICE's policy to work in partnership with other international organisations which have similar aims and whose values are consistent with those of FICE. They include associations such as the International Foster Care Organisation (IFCO) and the International Association of Social Educators (AIEJI).

FICE-International also has consultative status with UNESCO, the European Union and ECOSOC. This means that it sends delegates to meetings of relevant committees and is involved in discussions about draft policies and developments.

When FICE was set up by UNESCO, it was given a grant to provide core funding. Since changes in UNESCO policy, FICE-International's budget has been made up mainly of fees paid by Full Members. Since these organisations also have to run their own national programmes, the level of fees is kept to a minimum, but maintaining international links is not cheap.

As a general rule, the answer is No. FICE-International does not have the resources to give grants. However, there are times when support may be given to help individuals from countries with weak economies, to attend Congresses for example, and National Members at times work on joint projects with colleagues in less developed countries who are needing support in their work.

Certainly. For more information on becoming a member of FICE-USA visit our How to Join page.