Return support network in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Red de apoyo al retorno a Bosnia Herzegovina

During its relief history in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ongoing since 1993, CRS BH has also been an active designer and implementer of return support programs. During the past 5 years in particular, CRS' psychosocial department has been developing an approach that is primarily focused on the strengthening of existing resources in the communities in BH.

The Return Support Network is an example of such a program where CRS works as a partner with local NGOs. The psychosocial department is providing them technical and professional support with training, workshops and organizational building activities so they can meet the challenges of increasing returns in their communities. The objectives of CRS' involvement were mostly oriented towards support, guidance, managerial assistance, and the sustainability issues of the counterparts. In order to reach global understanding, clarify perceptions and position themselves as providers of different forms of support to the people, and for people's benefit, CRS supports both GO and NGO structures. The special feature of this model is in its beneficiary related component of Family Liaison activities where trained volunteers (members of selected NGOs) regularly visit and work with returning families and their neighbors on their individual issues.

The methodology is built on existing resources that were developed and strengthened during the implementation of CRS projects in the recipient communities. There are already six communities in BH, within both the Federation and RS, in which NGO networking has been successfully established. Each of the six towns is of crucial importance for a particular region, or canton. Each of them will be the base for future networking, and links to other communities and respective NGOs, in order to increase local capacities that would promote a healthy society.

It is in the interests of global mental health to establish and promote networking as a sustainable activity that leads to mutual benefits. The objectives of the work undertaken by the Return Support Network, will be different and adjusted to specific issues, according to the needs in the communities.