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.

In October, a pre-service training was launched  in programme “AIRI vecākiem”  (PRIDE: Parent Resources, Information, Development, Education), a training program developed in the USA for future to be foster carers on how to work with a child / young person in out-of-family care to ensure maximum support. 12 foster families, guardians and adopters of Iecava region are participating in the training. It consists of 9 lessons in total and will end in the beginning of December. At the beginning of December, the in-service group, which is intended for persons who have decided to deepen their knowledge, will also start in Bauska.

At the same time, specialists from four co-operation counties (Bauska, Vecumnieki, Iecava and Rundāle) were educated about out-of-family care. They got acquainted with this educational program for three full days. Asked about the significance of the training, the specialists admitted that it is pleasant to work in a team with knowledgeable specialists and lecturers. Each participant received a valuable handout – the book “AIRI for parents”. Everyone was addressed by truly portrayed stories-situations in educational films. Participants acknowledged that the training should be continued-repeated after some time, and that it would also be good for biological parents whose care rights have been suspended. It was also acknowledged that specialists (social workers, psychologists, staff of orphan courts) could meet once a month to discuss issues on this topic together.

At the beginning of autumn, on September 27, the families of the project target group, a total of 37 participants, went on an experience exchange trip to Siauliai – to the project partner Lithuanian SOS Children’s Villages organisation.

The participants of the event admitted that this has been a wonderful day, full of reflections and impressions. They had an opportunity to meet like-minded people, gain experience by listening to their stories. The event was divided into two parts: in the first part, Lithuanian colleagues and foster parents shared their experiences about their work and how the system works in Lithuania. The second part was more entertaining, when parents had the opportunity to enjoy the company of like-minded people in an informal atmosphere and see the sights of the neighbouring country, such as the unique Cross Hill. Many admitted that the event provided a lot of pleasant emotions.

In the next six months, trainings for carers in Bauska and Vecumnieki will continue, as well as we plan to host foster families, guardians and adopters from Lithuania for the exchange of experience.

Joint meetings – official and recreational parts of experience exchange