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  • Bringing neighbours closer

    Bringing neighbours closer

    Welcome to the Interreg V-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2014–2020!

    About the programme
  • Bringing neighbours closer

    Bringing neighbours closer

    Welcome to the Interreg V-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2014–2020!

  • Bringing neighbours closer

    Bringing neighbours closer

    Welcome to the Interreg V-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2014–2020!

LLI-405 Improving the accessibility and efficiency of social support services for guardians and foster and adoptive parents to strengthen their ability to protect and nurture children at risk (Lat-Lit SOS FGA)

The project aimed at better social inclusion of socially deprived and vulnerable children with behavioural, emotional and developmental issues who were in care of guardians and adoptive and foster parents. The direct beneficiaries were 200 existing and potential foster, guardian and adoptive families living in 5 municipalities – Bauska, Rundāle, Iecava, Vecumnieki and Šauliai from two neighbouring regions: Zemgale and Šauliai.

Social support service for non-biological families was introduced in Latvia and improved in Lithuania. SOS Children’s Villages Latvia till the beginning of the project had not provided direct support to non-biological families, while SOS Children’s Villages Lithuania with the Ministry of Welfare and Vilnius Municipality was already working on piloting a social support agency model. The social support service introduced 2 new forms, namely a Child’ Individual Development Plan (CIDP) and a Foster Family’s Development Plan (FFDP) as important evidence-and knowledge-based approaches to support foster families and enhance their capacity in providing care for vulnerable children. Plans helped specialists to determine the additional support and training needs of the family that later were provided within the project.

The project also organized networking activities for non-biological families. Cross border cooperation and expertise sharing between SOS CV Latvia and SOS CV Lithuania enabled families to provide better quality children care and increased foster parents’ capacity. The services and measures were provided through a team-work based collaboration model between caregivers, the social agency and municipality. Training to municipality specialists were organized, as well as joint National Stakeholder Committees worked to ensure better transfer of knowledge and experience. Along with social impact the project also had an economic impact through the prevention of secondary abandonment of children.

Social media and contacts:
Phone: +371 67378353
E-mail: birojs@sosbca.lv
Website: https://www.sosbernuciemati.lv/lv/
Address: Zemitāna laukums 5, Rīga, LV 1006

4 March 2021

We have done so much together!

On December 30, 2019, the project was finished.

The first result of the project was a survey of 100 foster parents, guardians and adoptive parents living in Zemgale (Bauska, Vecumnieki, Iecava and Rundāle) about their wishes and needs. The most important problems faced by foster parents, guardians and adopters were the child’s behavioural problems, health problems and learning difficulties. When asked what kind of support they would like to receive, ~50% of respondents mentioned trainings for parents, ~30% expressed a wish for a support / self-help group and ~25% emphasized the importance of counseling by social worker. The project could successfully meet their wishes and provide necessary support.

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4 March 2021

Visits of specialists

On August 6, 2019, specialists from the Lithuanian SOS Children’s Villages in Siauliai visited Bauska region. The first part of the day was spent in the premises of the Social Service of Bauska region, where the guests were received by the head of the service Dina Romanovska. The guests were interested in the structure and organization of social work in Bauska and elsewhere in Latvia. Ina Jankeviča, the head of the Social Service of Vecumnieki district, also said a lot interesting and new to the neighbors. What we were able to agree on – the current shortage of manpower in the social field.  In the afternoon, the guests went to Īslīce SOS children’s village, visited SOS mother Anita’s house, the village office and Zemgale Out-of-family care support center “AIRI for parents”.

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4 March 2021

Let’s go in nature!

While the school year has not yet begun, it was the right time to make new friends and spend free time actively. Therefore, for three days in August – from August 12 to August 14, 2019, there was a time for 20 teenagers from took part in activities with the name “Creative days – Let’s go in nature!”. They  took place in the guest house Bērzkalni.

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4 March 2021

Learning a lot together

In the spring, 2019, 16 specialists from four co-operation districts (Bauska, Vecumnieki, Iecava and Rundāle) were trained in out-of-family care support. They got acquainted with educational program “AIRI vecākiem” for three full days and this was the second group of specialists who studied within the project. Specialists received certificates about the completion of the 24-hour course on May 9. The participants of the training expressed a wish for more practical lessons, as well as in-depth study of one of the modules. The idea was also expressed that a person who had grown up in a foster family could be invited to share their experiences, shortcomings in the system and needs. As far as possible, it would be desirable to offer this type of training to professionals so that they can act more cohesively, thoughtfully and professionally. We thanked the very erudite course leaders Ilze Naguraviča and Daila Balcere, and wished them patience and endurance in this responsible work.

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4 March 2021

The first half year of activities

The first half year of the project has passed by!  Several activities have been implemented during this time. The first was a survey of foster families, guardians and adopters living in Zemgale about their wishes and needs, as well as to identify the support they need. Out of the planned 100 respondents, 62 have given their opinion and expressed the need for more active cooperation with each other and the need for the support of specialists (especially psychologists). The work in the project is performed by two specialists – a social worker and a psychologist, who provides family counseling and the necessary support. If necessary, specialists are involved: a child psychiatrist, a speech therapist, a special pedagogue, etc.

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4 March 2021

Starting the project

On July 12, 2018, the representatives of Bauska, Vecumnieki, Iecava and Rundāle counties gathered in Īslīce SOS Children’s Village for the official opening of the project.

Ilze Paleja, National Director of the SOS Children’s Villages Latvia, gave an introductory speech. She welcomed the idea of ​​the project and the expected work, which is in line with the new developments of national legislation and DE-Institutionalisation processes regarding the specialization of foster families and expected establishment of foster care support centers in future. The director also acknowledged that a lot of work and energy was already invested.

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  • 11. December 2019
    Closing event of the project Improving the accessibility and efficiency of social support services for guardiand and foster and adoptive parents to strengthen their ability to protect and nurture children at risk

    Īslīces ciemats, Latvia

  • 06. December 2019
    Training for foster and adoptive parents and guardians „Raidos poreikių tenkinimas: ryšiai ir netektys”

    Pakruojis, Lithuania

  • 29. November 2019
    Training for foster and adoptive parents and guardians „Vaiko savivertė: kodėl ji svarbi ir kaip ją didinti”

    Kuršėnai, Lithuania

  • 22. November 2019
    Training for foster and adoptive parents and guardians „Lytiškumo ugdymas“

    Pakruojis, Lithuania

  • 15. November 2019
    Training for adoptive and foster parents and guardians "Vaiko savivertė: kodėl ji svarbi ir kaip ją didinti?"

    Pakruojis, Lithuania

  • 11. November - 12 November 2019
    Training for foster and adoptive parents and guardians „Individualus vaikų poreikių vertinimas, vaiko vystymosi plano rengimas, šeimos bei globėjų ir įtėvių poreikių vertinimas bei pagalbos planų sudarymas“

    Šiauliai , Lithuania

  • 08. November 2019
    Training for adoptive and foster parents and guardians " Lytiškumo ugdymas"

    Kuršėnai, Lithuania

  • 29. October - 30 October 2019
    Training for adoptive and foster parents and guardians „Individualus vaikų poreikių vertinimas, vaiko vystymosi plano rengimas, šeimos bei globėjų ir įtėvių poreikių vertinimas bei pagalbos planų sudarymas“

    Šiauliai , Lithuania

  • 25. October 2019
    Training for foster families, adoptive parents and guardians "Saugus prieraišumas"

    Pakruojis, Lithuania

  • 11. October 2019
    Training in LT for foster and adoptive parents and guardians "Child self-esteem: why it is important and how to increase it"

    Kuršėnai, Lithuania

  • 04. October 2019
    Training in LT for foster and adoptive parents and guardians "Vaikų auklėjimo iššūkiai: dienotvarkės ir struktūros svarba auklėjant vaiką"

    Pakruojis, Lithuania

  • 27. September - 27 October 2019
    Training in LT for foster and adoptive parents and guardians "Vaikų auklėjimo iššūkiai: dienotvarkės ir struktūros svarba auklėjant vaiką"

    Kuršėnai, Lithuania

  • 06. August 2019
    Experience exchange visit of Lithuanian specialists to Latvia

    Īslīces ciemats, Latvia

  • 12. June 2019
    Experience exchange visit to LT (project team and involved municipalities)
  • 30. May 2019
    National Stakeholders meeting in LT

    Šiauliai, Lithuania

  • 29. May 2019
    Training for foster and adoptive parents and guardians Lytinio ugdymo klausimai

    Pakruojis, Lithuania

  • 29. May 2019
    National Stakeholders meeting in LV

    Īslīces ciemats, Latvia

  • 28. May 2019
    Experience exchange of foster families, adoptive parents and guardians from LT to LV

    Īslīces ciemats, Latvia

  • 22. May 2019
    Training for foster and adoptive parents and guardians Lytinio ugdymo klausimai

    Siauliai, Lithuania

  • 21. May 2019
    Training for foster and adoptive parents and guardians Drausmės reikšmė vaiką globojant, auklėjant ir tenkinant jo vystymosi poreikius

    Pakruojis, Lithuania

  • 15. May 2019
    Training for guardians, foster and adoptive parents Drausmės reikšmė vaiką globojant, auklėjant ir tenkinant jo vystymosi poreikius

    Siauliai, Lithuania

  • 26. April 2019
    Training for adoptive and foster parents and guardians “Raidos poreikių tenkinimas: ryšiai ir netektys“

    Siauliai, Lithuania

  • 19. April 2019
    Training for adoptive and foster parents and guardians “Vaiko savivertė: kodėl ji svarbi ir kaip ją didinti”

    Siauliai, Lithuania

  • 16. April 2019
    Training for adoptive and foster parents and guardians: Raidos poreikių tenkinimas: ryšiai ir netektys
  • 05. April 2019
    Training for foster and adoptive parents and guardians “Vaikų auklėjimo iššūkiai: dienotvarkės ir struktūros svarba auklėjant vaiką

    Šiauliai, Lithuania

  • 29. March 2019
    Training for foster families, guardians and adoptve parents on topic „SAFE ATTACHMENT“

    Siauliai, Lithuania

  • 26. February 2019
    Training for foster and adoptive parents and guardian families on topic "Safe attachment"

    Pakruojis, Lithuania

  • The project provided unique opportunity to improve the accessibility and efficiency of social support services for guardians and foster and adoptive parents in two neighbouring regions: Zemgale in Latvia and Šauliai in Lithuania. It strengthened the ability of many guardians, foster and adoptive parents to protect and nurture very vulnerable children who have lost care of their biological parents.

    The project also encouraged new co-operations – both on local level (between municipalities and NGOs in respective countries) as well as on international level – between people of Latvia and Lithuania and between two NGOs working in social sector with vulnerable children and families with children – SOS Children’s Villages in both countries.

    During the project, Child’s Individual Development Plan (CIDP) and a Foster Family (Guardian/Adoptive Family) Development Plan (FFDP) were developed. These documents provide information on the structure, purpose and need for improvement of the established plans, as well as give recommendations for out-of-family care support for children and their care givers.

    LPF “SOS Children’s Villages in Lithuania” and social partners in Lithuania

    During the implementation of the project, assistance became available to guardians and adoptive parents living in remote rural areas in Pakruojis and Šiauliai districts. The project not only provided timely and accessible assistance to caregivers, but also brought together caregivers and adoptive parents to share their experience by participating in trainings. But Municipal Care Center coordinators of Šiauliai and Pakruojis districts could enrich their knowledge in Bauska and Vecumnieki municipalities of Latvia.

    During the implementation of the project, 100 foster families were visited, 60 FFDP plans and 48 CIDP were drawn up. Since the beginning of the project, a total of 415 hours of individual psychologist consultations, 170 hours of special pedagogical consultations and 310 hours of individual speech therapy consultations were provided for the families of guardians and adoptive parents and their children in Šiauliai county.

    In order to increase the quality of services for guardians and adoptive parents, 16 specialists providing services to socially vulnerable children and their families and guardians and adoptive parents in municipalities had the opportunity to improve knowledge and skills in assessing the individual needs of the child and his / her family and guardians and adoptive parents.

    Association “SOS Children’s Villages Latvia” and social partners in Latvia

    Support of project’s team – social worker and psychologist, as well as several specialists – was available for guardians, foster and adoptive parents living in Bauska, Iecava, Rundāle and Vecumnieki municipalities. 100 questionnaires for identification of situation and needed support were acquired; 72 FFDP plans and 40 CIDP were drawn up and implemented, providing necessary assistance for children and their carers.

    36 parents were trained according to pre-service module of internationally acknowledged PRIDE methodology (“Parent Recourses for Information, Development and Education”) and 36 could get new knowledge at trainings of in-service modules. The first one is an initial training for potential foster parents or guardians, giving most essential knowledge before a child is welcomed in the family, while the second training is for people who are already caring about a child. 16 representatives of 4 municipalities could enrich their knowledge and skills about assessing the individual needs of the child and his / her family and guardians and adoptive parents in trainings according “PRIDE” methodology. As well as representatives of local social departments and orphans’ courts could take part in two experience exchange visits in Lithuania.

    Families and children could also experience great time together taking part in summer activities “My and your summer” and “Let us go in nature!” in summer 2019.

    Very interesting and useful was possibility of experience exchange not only between project’s teams and specialists from both countries, but also for foster, guardian, and adoptive families themselves – thus 40 carers from Latvia visited Lithuania in September 2018 and the same number of carers from Lithuania were welcomed in Bauska in May 2019.

    The visits created lots of positive emotions!

    At the end of the project, methodological recommendations have been prepared in 3 languages ​​(LT, LV, EN) on the provision of social support services, accessibility, efficiency for foster and adoptive families. (Please find the documents here: https://www.sosbernuciemati.lv/lv/par-mums/informativie-materiali under chapter “Ārpusģimenes aprūpe”)

    The project results are used by social partners (Siauliai district and Pakruojis district municipalities in Lithuania, as well as Bauska, Iecava, Rundāle and Vecumnieki municipalities in Latvia).

    SOS Children Villages in Lithuania continue to consult partners and provide recommendations, as well as to provide services in Klaipeda, Siauliai and Vilnius municipalities (https://sos-vaikukaimai.lt/kontaktai/ ).

    SOS Children Villages in Latvia continue cooperation with social services and orphan courts of the municipalities, as well as continue provision of services to guardians, foster and adoptive parents at SOS Zemgale Out-of-family Care Support Centre “Airi vecākiem”, as well as in four more such centres in Latvia, sharing the gained experience (https://www.sosbernuciemati.lv/lv/par-mums/kontakti ).

    Project poster

    Last updated: 26.03.2024 16:20