Our “Trust in the Family” was shared by colleagues and civil organisations from around the country. They were trained and prepared to apply the method FGC in their activities. They all adopted the “Principles and practical guidelines for Family Group Conferences” and signed an agreement for cooperation with Tulip Foundation.
Since 2011 tens of family group conferences have been realised. In the coming months and years our partners will continue to organise family group conferences for families that we work with and that are referred by child protection departments, schools, etc.
The family conference is a model for support that brings the family together to decide and to take responsibility. The model is based on UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, The Convention for Human Rights and the Convention of the Rights of People with disabilities.
From our practical work we have learned that the family group conference:
- Is a right and an opportunity for the children and the whole family;
- Is a practical role model for children and young people making decisions;
- And a good way for fathers and other significant men to participate in the life of children;
- Strengthens the position and the role of children in the family;
- Is a financially effective and accessible model that is based on independent coordinators;
- The model is successfully applied for prevention, intervention and crisis intervention;
- It is applicable with no regard of the problem – disability, (domestic) violence;
- Poverty, drug or alcohol abuse, divorce, behavioural problems, learning difficulties, leaving institution, foster care, reintegration with family, leaving prison, restorative justice …
- GFC is appropriate for finding solutions for children, adults and older people;
- It works with different families regardless ethnic, religious or cultural background, social, educational or material status of the people;
- It is equally effective in cities and small communities.
We learned that families are able to make and realise their plans. That’s a good way for full scale utilisation of available resources and opportunities!
We are going to match the raised funds and our partners around the country will support tens of families to make their plans and to take over the responsibility for their lives and the lives of their children!
Helping Hand Foundation, Dobrich
www.hhf.bg
Opportunity and Protection Association, Haskovo
www.chancebg.org
Centre Maria Association, Gorna Oriahovitsa
www.centermaria.org
Saucastie (Co-participation) Association, Varna
www.sauchastie.org
Future for the Children Association, Kazanluk
www.speckids.org
Club of the NGOs, Targovishte
www.clubngo.org
Egida Association, Pazardjik
http://egidapz.com/
Naia Association, Targovishte
http://www.naia-tg.com/
