Family Matters

Goal: The Family Matters project aims to address the current lack of evidence-based practices in youth work, specifically in relation to family issues affecting young people. By creating a new evidence-based method, the project enhances youth workers' competencies in supporting vulnerable youth with family-related challenges. The project seeks to activate family resources to better support young people, thereby strengthening the innovation and role of youth work within the broader network of services.

The specific objectives of the project are;

1. Supporting youth empowerment through quality, innovation, and recognition of youth work

2. Supporting young people, particular vulnerable young people, in mental health and wellbeing

3. Holistic approach and cross-sectoral cooperation 

4. Evidence-based practice and policy 

Target Group:

- Young people with fewer opportunities who experience hindered inclusion in society.

- Youth workers who work directly with vulnerable and marginalized youth, offering them support and services.

- Family therapists

- Organizations offering services to young people

- Other professionals from various fields will become aware of the potential of youth work in supporting vulnerable andmarginalized youth, particularly in addressing family-related issues.

Activities:

The project is a design-based development research process where, based on previous theory and practice, evidence-based methods are created and piloted by 36 youth workers and 120 youth. The training course curricula on family issues and the co-design process support the methods piloting. Researchers, educators, family therapists, youth workers and young people work together in partnership. Results are presented at different levels and in various formats to ensure further implementation.

Partnership:

Võru County Development Center Foundation - EE (Coordinator)

Experiential Training Center Association - TR (Partner)

CEFE Macedonia - MK (Partner)

PRISMIS - MT (Partner)

Soro Tori - IT (Partner)