Implementing evidence-based family skills programmes in Serbia

9-10 May 2022, Belgrade, Serbia: Following the first training on the Strong Families Programme that UNODC organized in October 2021 for 36 school psychologists and pedagogues from selected schools in nine out of the 18 school districts of Serbia, this week UNODC organized the second training for additional 36 school psychologists and pedagogues from remaining nine school districts, reaching full national coverage.  Both trainings were organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological development and the OSCE Mission in Serbia. 

The SF programme is an evidence-based programme, backed by scientific evidence on its effectiveness in terms of developing family skills to support the healthy and safe development of children regardless of their gender and preventing drug use, violence (including against children), mental health and other negative social and health outcomes. The programme can be easily adapted to serve families in challenged and stressful settings in different contexts. 

The training on SF particularly familiarized the participants with the content and means of implementation of the programme in their line of work including by teaching how to support parents and their children in overcoming the stresses that the adolescent period brings and what it means to be an effective facilitator and mediator illustrated by practical sessions. 

Following the completion of the training, the participants received a certificate and as a next step will incorporate the acquired knowledge into their work with families and will also go on to deliver the same training to their peers to reach maximum impact. 

An online “eLearning” platform of Strong Families was developed by UNODC in Serbian language to further support the facilitators during the implementation and scale up phases.  

This activity contributes to SDG 3, particularly Target 3.5 on preventing and treating substance abuse.

For more information:

Strong_families_Brochure.pdf (unodc.org)

Family-UNited-leaflet-20200218.pdf (unodc.org)

Related publication:

Assessing the Feasibility of Providing a Family Skills Intervention, “Strong Families”, for Refugee Families Residing in Reception Centers in Serbia "2279 (unodc.org)