Redesigning Welfare Services for Policies Effectiveness: The non-profit organizations (NPOs) perspective

The relationship between governments and Third Sector is an important subject of public administration studies which attribute non-profit organizations (NPOs) the double function of welfare service delivery, and – according to a participatory governance model – participation in policies' definition. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the comprehension of the NPOs' approach to addressing human needs through their services, in order to support new ways to promote the citizens' initiative. Through a qualitative services analysis, seven case studies have been assessed. Results suggest that NPOs' approach is characterized by the attention to individual as a whole, networking with other NPOs, and focus on users autonomy. To promote participatory governance models, some suggestions for policy-makers are highlighted.