Social organizations and governmental institutions: perspectives on partnerships in children's health care through volunteers and the pastoral da criança

Abstract

The aim of this research is to present perspectives on partner-ships between social organizations and governmental institutions in children's health care. This study reflects on social participation and relations between governmental and non-governmental services in constructing the consolidation of the Sistema Único de Saúde (Unified Health System), highlighting the role of volunteers and health professionals in this process. In child care, these associations are potential, due to the wide range and prominence of social organizations oriented towards chil-dren, particularly the Pastoral da Criança (the Catholic Church's Child Pastoral), which makes it important to discuss public policies aimed at establishing and strengthening these links in the local and national spheres.