Child-Centered Governance: Governorship of İstanbul and İstanbul Children’s Foundation Initiatives

Abstract

The development and implementation of protective and preventive social policies for children at the local level are frequently discussed in academic literature and by policymakers. Especially in the world's largest metropolises, such as İstanbul, societal and digital transformations are diversifying and expanding the problem areas affecting children. Educational problems, social exclusion, digital addiction, and criminal tendencies faced by children lead to a complicated policy process, not only individually but also socially. In this context, policies implemented for children need to be shaped more in a preventive and protective manner. In this way, the situations children are exposed to can be identified early, and policy steps can be taken accordingly. This paper will examine projects and initiatives implemented in collaboration with the Governorship of İstanbul and the İstanbul Children's Foundation within the framework of the "Child-Centered Governance" approach. This approach is based on the functional role of children, particularly in social transformation and integration processes. This paper analyzes projects implemented in İstanbul, drawing on the literature on protective and preventive social policies. With its high population density, rapid urbanization, and socio-economic diversity, İstanbul is one of the leading metropolises where child-related policies are implemented most comprehensively. The practices developed by the Governorship of İstanbul and the İstanbul Children's Foundation demonstrate a governance model that integrates education, social support, culture, sports, technology, and family policies. In this paper, the "A Meal from the Heart" project, which provides nutritional support to disadvantaged students; the "Homework Houses" project, which creates safe learning environments; computer classes and programs to combat digital addiction aimed at improving digital literacy; the "Brother Family" project, which offers family-based social support; hospital and accessible classroom applications; and projects that increase sports and cultural participation will be scrutinized. These policy implementations facilitate both the social integration of children and support their educational life. Therefore, the policies implemented specifically in İstanbul include measures to eliminate risks before they reach a significant level, as well as improvements to child-related policies. In conclusion, this paper reveals how a child-centered governance approach has been institutionalized and made sustainable at the local level. Thanks to these applications and projects developed in collaboration with the Governorship of İstanbul and the İstanbul Children's Foundation, children's potential is being revealed, and solutions to social problems are being offered. In other words, the implemented practices present a promising public policy model for children.