Charity Foundation «Arifmetika Dobra»
Developing a network of Foster Family Clubs in the Udmurt Republic
Main values
Geography: Udmurt Republic
CSS contribution, rubles
Total budget, rubles
Implementation period, months
Project idea
The project “Developing a network of Foster Family Clubs” was created to provide comprehensive support and guidance for adoptive parents, guardians, foster families, as well as candidates for foster parenting.
The implementation of this project involves:
- Preventing emotional burnout in foster parents;
- Conducting activities for the prevention of crises in parent-child relationships;
- Reducing the percentage of adoption disruptions;
- Enhancing knowledge, skills, and abilities in raising orphaned children.
The creation and development of Foster Family Clubs provides adoptive mothers and fathers with the opportunity to receive timely and qualified assistance from experienced specialists. This will provide more opportunities and options for addressing issues within the family, which will significantly improve the upbringing and acceptance of orphaned children, as well as noticeably reduce the percentage of adopted children being returned to state institutions.
To implement the project, it is necessary to:
- Create appropriate conditions at the initial stages of developing 10 Foster Family Clubs;
- Conduct training sessions for professional development with the leaders, active members, and psychologists of the Club network in the Republic;
Invite new families to participate in various events that will be held on the premises of the Clubs.
Relevance
Summing up the work of the foundation for the prevention of social orphanhood in the Udmurt Republic for 2020, the following picture emerges:
- 35 orphans were returned to orphanages from foster families;
- 25 mothers in maternity hospitals abandoned their babies;
- foster parents refused to take into their care 50 children;
The development of clubs for foster parents is essential for the prevention and reduction of the risk of “secondary orphanhood” by enhancing the foster parents’ practical and theoretical knowledge. It is important to conduct lectures, webinars, and training sessions with the participation of various qualified specialists to minimize the likelihood of potential guardians and adoptive parents refusing to care for orphaned children. Also, to conduct meetings and consultations with a psychologist for pregnant women and young mothers at risk due to a high likelihood of abandoning their newborn child.
An internal anonymous survey conducted among the foster parent community of the Udmurt Republic, with the participation of 560 people, revealed very important issues related to the upbringing of orphaned children.
Many of the surveyed parents lack knowledge and practical skills in the development and care of a child taken from an orphanage.
Misunderstandings and conflicts arise in the family, connected with the psychological and emotional state of the adopted son or daughter. In such cases, it is essential to know exactly how to respond correctly to the situation that has arisen.
People aspiring to become foster parents are not always able to comprehensively assess their resources and capabilities for raising orphaned children.
Thanks to the communities of Foster Family Clubs, foster parents have the opportunity to receive emotional support and assistance during challenging and crisis moments in life, exchange experiences related to the development and care of orphaned children, and acquire new knowledge about the psychological characteristics of their wards.
Social effect
Preventing social orphanhood. Enhancing the competency level of foster parents. Promoting family-based care arrangements for orphans.
KPI
KPI
Project Results
In each of the 9 clubs, activist groups have been created, which include cohesive teams of foster parents led by a qualified mentor. Thanks to that, the following are organized:
- Activities for teenagers;
- Programs for children's groups;
- Lectures, seminars, and training sessions with experienced specialists.
Club members have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities in raising orphaned children in a trusting and friendly atmosphere. This ensures maximum reduction of secondary returns of children, conflict situations in parent-child relationships, and emotional burnout of foster parents.
It is necessary to mention the achievements of this project in 2022.
Throughout the year, there were 8 situations where there was a real threat of the child being returned from the foster family back to the orphanage. Thanks to the timely and professional actions of the Club's staff, 7 children were able to remain with their families. This is a very significant indicator of the need for such assistance.
There is also a case in the Club's practice where an adoptive family gave up a child, and the child was successfully placed with a new, more resourceful family. Such a situation is far less traumatic for children than returning them back to childcare institutions.
Project progress after CSS funding
After the completion of funding, the Club's work will continue at the same level under the auspices of the Arifmetika Dobra Charity Organization. Own partners from the cities where the Clubs are located will also be involved. Use our own fundraising. Part of the funds from future grants will be allocated by Arifmetika Dobra for the development of Clubs in the Udmurt Republic.
