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Conference "The family care-secure basis for development of the child"

Within the conference "The family care-secure basis for development of the child" ended the project that lasted for two years. The aim of the project was to give social support to guardians and foster families by providing 1) social services - the mentor program for the guardians 2)remove the risk of social exclusion, under the auspices of the children and young people's integration into society.

With the complex approach it was clear that the activities were useful and beneficial for both guardians and foster families, both for children and young people, including biological children and youth. We wanted to have the widest possible territorial coverage - Riga, Vecumnieki, Limbaži, Kuldīga, etc. In addition, project activities were varied. In the beginning of the project a guide book "Support for Guardians and Foster Families,"  was designed, which was sent to affiliated organizations and it will be electronically available on the Society's website. Manual contains detailed descriptions of 10 mentors and their training samples. They are also practically applicable when leading a support group for guardians and foster families.

The entire project implementation period, in cooperation with project partners from Norway (Linnea Kompetansesenter) training of mentors were continued, as project partners persuaded that the training should be focused on experience-based knowledge. Theoretical knowledge was received in practice when leading support groups, where mentors faced real problems. In total there were 16 mentors trainings. Since 2015 spring, mentors trained to lead support groups at their hometowns.

Children and youth support center „Dzeguzēns” organized activities such as creative laboratory, where people could work, both individually and in groups, and it was not only very creative, but also people learned practical skills such as pouring candles. Intercultural evenings were organized, where people could also meet with students from different countries and try to understand the truth of our stereotypes. We went hiking and traveled, there was even a 2-day adventure in Liepaja. It was possible to improve children’s English conversational skills. It has been available to receive e-consultation. Within the project in the afternoons, new projects were developed, which are still present and will be developed in the future.

Some of the families took a part in a summer camp, aimed mainly for the consolidation of the families. The biggest benefit of the camp - parents had a chance to observe the children as they understand other children and adults in dealing with conflicts. There was a possibility to be in unusual environment and all together assess what is the relationship between the parents and the kids, additionally parents could learn more about themselves.

At the end of the project a book 'Happiness is in the family "was designed in which interviews with the Association’s families were published and translated into a valuable material" Safe basic model of attraction and vitality to promote family care and adoption ", additionally in the book there are lesson samples that could  be used in a support group management.

It is possible to get the book free of charge in Latvian Foster Families Association. The project "The family care - secure basis for development of the child" was financially supported by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Program financed by the EEA Financial Mechanism and Latvian state.

— May 3, 2016