Projects

The book

The project "Family care-secure basis for development of the child" is coming to an end. There has been another great job done in the framework of the project - we have written our first book. The book "Happiness is in the family" consists of both theoretical information and the methods that can be useful for managing support groups, as well as there are real-life stories.

The chapter “Family Stories” has been made from some of the project "The family care - secure basis for the child's development" program interviews. In order to have as wide understanding as possible about  the placement area, the interviews  were selected both from guardians and foster families as well as young people themselves, who have grown up either completely alien or relatives in families.

Interviews were conducted differently- meeting in person, using e-mail, or a free-form description of one’s life story. The anonymity of the families was respected, since it was difficult and hard to talk about it. There have been painful moments, mistakes have been made, and there were things that people would like to forget. Not all addressed families were willing to reveal their thoughts and feelings. Thanks to those who managed to find the time and courage to share their experience!

An important section of the books is "Safe basic model: raising vitality and promotion of family care and adoption." Some of the reliable basis for the model methods Latvian Foster Families Association representatives acquainted during the experience exchange trip to Linnea Kompetansesenter (Norway). The method was found effective and innovative in Latvia that led us to a positive curiosity about the method.

The publication in Latvian would not be possible without Liene Liepiņas belief that despite the fact that the material is complicated, it is very valuable and useful for Latvian guardians, foster families and adoptive parents. Thank you for your commitment to translate this material for settlement of copyright issues. The translated material is available in the book.

In the end of the book there are 10 lessons for potential mentors. We hope that this book will be a useful material for organizations and social institutions that work with families. The book can be useful for local child protection, professionals and advocates who care about children’s without parental care quality of life. It can be useful for anyone who is interested and wants to improve relations with the adopted or biological children.

The project is financially supported by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Program financed by the EEA Financial Mechanism and Latvian state.

— March 1, 2016