Guardian angel
(In collaboration with Foundation „Ziedot”, Save the children (Sweden), OAK foundation)
Program`s Guardian angel goal is to create a support system for new families where young parents come from orphanages, or are families that are in high social risk situations and are expecting baby or parenting a young child.
Program`s 5 key activities:
1) Local community program involving volunteers
For the project purposes there are specially selected and trained special informal support personnel - "Guardian angels" who, in collaboration with the social assistance services are introduced to families with those future mothers that come from orphanages or social services have assessed them as high social risk families. Supporter mission is to become the family`s mentor - supporter, teacher, adviser – meet in a regular basis with the family, provide support and develop communication skills by providing practical knowledge of infant care, as well as preparing family emotionally for the baby.
2) Support for child`s upbringing and care
After the baby is born, the support relationship continues. During this time baby`s "Guardian angel" meets with the family, helps parents to learn practical skills in baby care, provides advices on how to maintain self-discipline and restraint, how to cope with stress, tiredness, worries and anger without becoming aggressive and violent to the child.
3) Support groups for new families
Parents have the opportunity to attend parent support group. Group is chaired by a professional social worker who attracts specialists if needed. In these groups, parents have the opportunity to meet other parents and share experiences, develop mutual support networks that are very necessary for every parent. Belonging to a group helps to avoid social isolation or exclusion, which is one of the abuse risk factors against children. Parents can come together with their children. They will be looked after and supported by those “Guardian angels”.
4) Counseling for new families
For this project there is a professional, full-time social worker, who:
5) Events for families
To promote and strengthen the new family center, "Guardian angel “ team provides a regular opportunity for parents together with their children to attend educational, cultural and sports activities and organize special celebrations for the new families.
Help for mothers and children in crisis situations!
Program`s 5 key activities:
1) Local community program involving volunteers
For the project purposes there are specially selected and trained special informal support personnel - "Guardian angels" who, in collaboration with the social assistance services are introduced to families with those future mothers that come from orphanages or social services have assessed them as high social risk families. Supporter mission is to become the family`s mentor - supporter, teacher, adviser – meet in a regular basis with the family, provide support and develop communication skills by providing practical knowledge of infant care, as well as preparing family emotionally for the baby.
2) Support for child`s upbringing and care
After the baby is born, the support relationship continues. During this time baby`s "Guardian angel" meets with the family, helps parents to learn practical skills in baby care, provides advices on how to maintain self-discipline and restraint, how to cope with stress, tiredness, worries and anger without becoming aggressive and violent to the child.
3) Support groups for new families
Parents have the opportunity to attend parent support group. Group is chaired by a professional social worker who attracts specialists if needed. In these groups, parents have the opportunity to meet other parents and share experiences, develop mutual support networks that are very necessary for every parent. Belonging to a group helps to avoid social isolation or exclusion, which is one of the abuse risk factors against children. Parents can come together with their children. They will be looked after and supported by those “Guardian angels”.
4) Counseling for new families
For this project there is a professional, full-time social worker, who:
- provides families to have regular meetings with support persons
- provides them with necessary support, knowledge and skills,
- works with social services,
- involve other family members in problem solving, as well as a part-time psychologist where mothers can receive psychological counseling.
5) Events for families
To promote and strengthen the new family center, "Guardian angel “ team provides a regular opportunity for parents together with their children to attend educational, cultural and sports activities and organize special celebrations for the new families.