Dear Colleagues,
We are pleased to launch the Eurochild report on “The role of local authorities in parenting support”, that outlines the lessons learned and recommendations from Eurochild’s Family and Parenting Support Thematic Working Group Round Table which took place on 19 and 20 May 2011 and was hosted by the Dutch municipality of Eindhoven and the Netherlands Youth Institute. Delegations from The Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Sweden, Germany and Ireland and observers from Belgium (Flemish community), Italy and Poland attended this Round Table.
On the first day of the Round Table, participating delegations presented their inspiring practice of supporting parents and families. This included the Centre for Youth & Families in The Netherlands, including the SPIL Centres in Eindhoven; the Family Support Hub in Northern Ireland; the Family Centres in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; the New Futures Model from Ireland and a parent support programme for (future) parents in Sweden. The presentations were followed by workshops about several topics, including the role of local authorities and NGOs in parenting support and the implementation and effects of such support. On the second day, all participants went on field visits to two different centres in Eindhoven where parents can go for advice and help regarding their child: a SPIL-centre and the Youth and Family Centre (CJG).
During the field visits and discussions it became clear that the attending countries are all dealing with the same issues and are facing similar challenges, such as integrated working and the need of inventing in early intervention and prevention services. In addition, the importance of positive parenting and the need for “normalizing” parenting support were highlighted. On basis of these lessons learned, recommendations were formulated for providers of parenting support, for local and national governments and the European Commission.
We count on your support to distribute the report widely.
With best regards,
Dr. Agata D’Addato
Policy Officer
Avenue des Arts, 1-2
B-1210 Brussels
T: +32 (0)2 211 05 56 (direct)
T: +32 (0)2 511 70 83
F: +32 (0)2 511 72 98
Eurochild AISBL is an international network of organisations and individuals working in and across Europe to improve the quality of life of children and young people. Its work is underpinned by the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Eurochild AISBL is funded by the European Commission within the PROGRESS Programme.
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