Statutes – FICE-United States

May 9, 2005

I. FICE

The "Fédération Internationale des Communautés Educatives" (FICE) was founded in 1948 under the auspices of UNESCO (external website). It is a non-governmental organization maintaining consultative status with UNESCO, the Council of Europe and UNICEF (external website) and ECOSOC. FICE International's main aim is to promote child and youth care throughout the world. FICE is comprised of a General Assembly and Federal Council that serves as the governing body of FICE. FICE Members represent various countries on the General Assembly and Federal Council.

A. FICE's Specific Aims:

  • recognize the individuality of children, young people and their parents, and does not seek to force them to conform with pre-determined norms.
  • supports the family as the basic social structure for the upbringing of children.
  • advocates the highest quality of care and education for children and young people unable to live at home.
  • seeks to find individual solutions to match the needs of each child or young person.
  • encourages the ongoing development of services for children through research and theoretical innovation.
  • bases its work on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
  • observes strict political and religious neutrality.
  • values diversity and rejects all forms of discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political opinion or social origin.

B. In order to achieve its aims, FICE:

  • works through national organizations whose members are engaged in providing services for children and young people, or work in support services such as staff training or the management of services.
  • supports national member organizations through the creation of networks of contacts.
  • organizes major international Congresses, usually every two years.
  • supports projects which involve international contacts between children, young people, and those who care for them.
  • encourages international exchanges of workers and/or children and young people.
  • provides the Professional Exchange Programs for experienced workers.
  • organizes international seminars, expert workshops and working parties on issues concerned with services for children and young people.
  • consults with UNESCO, the European Union, the Council of Europe, ECOSOC and other international bodies.
  • provides information and the opportunity for networking through its website.
  • disseminates new ideas and research findings through its publications.

II. FICE - United States

FICE - United States uses the full name of: Fédération Internationale des Communautés Educatives - America (FICE - United States)

The purpose FICE - United States will be to invite like-minded individuals and organizations providing supports and services to children and families throughout United States to join together as members of FICE - United States. FICE - United States will work to encourage the creation of supportive networks of members, organizing seminars, conferences, educational trips and professional training in support of member organizations through information sharing and dissemination critical to the global community and vulnerable children.

A. Aims of FICE - United States

FICE - United States works to defend, represent and promote the Rights of the Child, as stated in the UN's Convention and in the official documents of the Council of Europe, especially the rights of children with special needs as well as those in need of special protection.

FICE - United States works to develop, and improve the quality of services, supports and options in the field of childcare, regarding what best serves the interest of children who do not live within their family, who have special needs or are at risk in major domains of their life

FICE - United States observes strict political and religious neutrality and rejects all forms of discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color or national origin.

FICE - United States works to support the aims and policies of FICE and will work to implement the objectives of the FICE - General Assembly and Federal Council.

FICE - United States will work to encourage members to interact, learn, contribute and participate on a global venue to improve the lives of young people world wide.

B. Specific Activities of FICE - United States

  • organize events for professional staff, including; conferences, study trips and pilot projects
  • encourage professional exchanges focused on services for young people
  • encourage international internships and educational exchanges for students and young people world wide.
  • conduct research on specific problems in the field of childcare and clinical services.
  • propose new programs and methods in the field of children and youth services as well as programs for families in need of support.
  • influence public opinion and public policy with the intent of improving the status of children and the quality and availability of services and supports.
  • provide information sharing and consultation services among member organizations.
  • encourage member organizations to develop a broad worldview on the status of children and best practice service models.
  • create the opportunity for partnerships and links between members of FICE - United States and other FICE Members.
  • promote the participation of FICE - United States members in the FICE International Conference.
  • encourage members of FICE - United States to share resources with other FICE members who are working in the early stages of building a children's service system in their country.
  • encourage the development of comprehensive systems of care and long term perspectives on the needs of children.
  • encourage the development of public policy and funding appropriate to the needs of children and young people.

C. Membership FICE - United States

FICE - United States shall consist of Member Organizations (sections), which may represent states within United States. Classes of membership include Full Members, Associate Members and Honorary Members. FICE - United States Members may include agencies, organizations and individuals who represent a wide array of supports and services to children and families throughout the United States of America. Members may have expertise in residential services, foster care, education, juvenile justice, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, mental and emotional disabilities, health care, research, colleges, universities and training centers and government. Membership may include the following categories:

  • Agencies and organizations providing services to young people and their families
  • Universities and Colleges
  • State and National Professional Associations
  • Government Entities
  • Sponsors (associations or individual persons), supporting FICE - United States financially
  • Honorary members who have rendered outstanding services to FICE - United States

D. Governing Structures of FICE - United States:

  • The General Assembly shall serve as the governing body of FICE - United States. It shall consist of representatives of all Full Members. The General Assembly shall meet at least once every two years and shall set the fundamental policies of FICE - United States.
  • FICE - United States is led by a Federal Council, consisting of three to seven members and shall meet at least once per year and conduct the business of FICE - United States as needed.
  • The FICE - United States Federal Council shall consist of a:
    1. President
    2. Secretary General
    3. Treasurer
    4. Members at Large
  • The President of Keystone Human Services will serve as an Associate Member and as representative of FICE - United States including serving on the FICE Federal Council.
  • Keystone Human Services will create and maintain a web site for FICE - United States in support of membership and general information sharing, publication of relevant articles and information FICE - United States.

E. Dues FICE - United States

Member organizations will pay annual dues of $500 with a voluntary option of an additional $500 specifically directed to providing support for participation in FICE by agencies within Eastern Europe and Africa. Dues shall be forwarded to FICE by the Treasurer of FICE - United States. The Federal Council of FICE - United States may set dues as it deems appropriate.