The "Safe Families" training, funded by the Swedish Embassy is designed with the primary objective of enhancing the knowledge and skills of social and health service providers, including representatives from Social Work Centers, Family Medicine Centers, and licensed organizations that deliver social services. The program focuses on empowering these professionals to support families more effectively by fostering safe, nurturing environments and promoting children's rights.

Key Objectives:

• Target Groups: The training is aimed at professionals working in social work, family medicine, and social service organizations, equipping them with strategies to better serve families and children.
• Gender Perspective: Emphasizing gender equality in service provision, ensuring all family members receive fair and supportive care.
• Inclusion and Participation: Promoting inclusive approaches in dealing with diverse families while encouraging active participation from children in the process.

Program Structure: Sessions and Learning Outcomes

Over the course of four days, participants engage in workshops and discussions that focus on key aspects of family dynamics, child development, and effective communication. The sessions aim to provide social and health service providers with practical tools to improve their interactions with families and children.

Day 1: Foundations of Family Support

The first day focuses on the essential concepts of family well-being, equipping providers with skills to help parents create safe and nurturing environments.

• Family Dreams and Self-Care: Participants learn how to guide parents in setting family goals and prioritizing self-care, a vital component of family health.
• Sessions for Providers:
• The Right to Be Safe: Understanding the child’s right to a safe environment and how providers can advocate for this within the family context.
• Positive Parenting Goals: Training providers on how to coach parents toward fostering a structured yet warm household environment.
• Warmth and Structure: Discussing how to balance love and discipline when guiding parents on best practices.

Day 2: Enhancing Communication and Problem-Solving Skills

The second day focuses on providing service providers with the tools to foster effective communication and problem-solving within families.

• Sessions for Providers:
• Child Development (Ages 0-5): Understanding early childhood development and how to counsel parents on supporting this critical phase.
• Problem-Solving Techniques: Teaching professionals how to facilitate family conflict resolution in a constructive manner.
• Respect-Based Communication: Training on how to encourage respectful and open dialogue between parents and children.

The day includes practical exercises where participants simulate interactions with families, helping them apply these strategies in real-world scenarios.

Day 3: Addressing Children's Rights and Family Dynamics

The final day highlights the importance of children's rights and responsibilities, providing providers with methods to address these topics in their interactions with both parents and children.

• Sessions for Providers:
• What is Violence? Participants are trained to help children understand boundaries and recognize harmful behaviors, while empowering parents to protect their children.
• Communication and Problem-Solving (Ages 10-17): Practical tools for guiding older children and teenagers on resolving conflicts and building healthy relationships within the family.
• Parent-Child Interaction: Sessions demonstrate how to facilitate joint activities between parents and children, fostering stronger communication and understanding.

Conclusion: Advancing Professional Competencies

The "Safe Families" training aims to equip social and health service providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve family support services. By the end of the program, participants are better prepared to advocate for children's rights, foster safe family environments, and address challenges that families may face. This training strengthens the capacity of professionals to deliver high-quality social services, ensuring that families receive the support they need to thrive.