The limits and possibilities of the CUCAs as a public policy of network youths

Abstract

This article analyzes the network model applied to public policies of the Brazilian urban centers of culture, art, science and sport (CUCAs), which emerged as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, requiring a close look at possible changes in the organization of current society and within the last 10 years. During this period, there are new institutional developments in the articulations, in the partnerships, and in the establishment of network public policies, with actions of organized civil society, government agencies, and private businesses. Thus, readings and participant observations made in field research are key for analyzing this institutional model named as ‘network’ and adopted in the Brazilian municipal public policy of youths (PPJ) in Fortaleza, Ceará, more specifically in the municipal public equipment named as CUCAs. Despite the innovations, there were some limitations, such as: lack of financial autonomy of the Special Coordination of Public Policies of Youth (COEPPJ); high fluidity/flexibility of the employees’ labor relations; low degree of articulation and integration between the agencies involved in this cross-sectional policy; spatial issues; and poor human capital. Such limitations should be considered and addressed for the continuity and advancement of these PPJs.