What is Family Strengthening?
Every family faces challenges; some more than others. Families facing poverty, displacement, disability, abuse, or trauma can quickly find themselves at risk of separation. At the same time, other families may be navigating alternative care arrangements and need extra support for their kinship or foster placements.
Family strengthening is a comprehensive, strengths-based approach to family care. Rather than focusing on what’s wrong, family strengthening focuses on what’s strong. It is designed to encourage resiliency and provide protective measures to keep children with their families in a safe and nurturing environment.
These systems are not a one-size-fits-all solution but are tailor-made to each family’s unique circumstances and within the child’s best interest.
How does it prevent unnecessary family separation?
Family strengthening services address the root causes of vulnerability, helping families build resilience and independence so every child can grow up in a safe, loving, and nurturing family environment.
These services can include regular home visits and group sessions to build positive parenting skills. Families may receive referrals for resources such as legal aid, healthcare, counseling, education, training, and life skills development.
What it looks like:
Grace, a single mother of 5, struggled to make ends meet. Along with her children, Grace had no legal identification or formal education. Her family was destined to continue the generational cycles of poverty.
Through CERI South Africa’s family strengthening services, Grace obtained legal identification for herself and her children, allowing them to finally attend school. Additionally, CERI built a new home for Grace, providing her family with a comfortable and safe space to live.
After losing both parents, Kannan and Shana were taken in by their great uncle, who struggled to earn enough to support them.
With help from CERI Sri Lanka, the family received case management services, monthly stipends, emotional support, home repairs, and other resources to ensure Kannan and Shana flourished under their uncle’s care.
