Promoting Child Welfareand Protection in Albania

Overview

In Service Training Programme forChild Protection / Child Welfare Workers

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AcknowledgementsThis work is the result of great collaborative efforts of various organizations and individuals committed to the protection of children in Albania. Terre des hommes Albania would like to express its sincere gratitude to the people who have contributed to the development of this material:

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Stephanie Delaney, International Consultant

AUTHORS

Terre des hommes Albania:Enkelejda Lopari, Program Manager, Juni Plaku, Child Protection Capacity Building Coordinator, Alketa Lasku, Psychosocial and Child Protection TrainerDepartment of Social Work and Social Policies of the Faculty Social Sciences of Tirana:Prof. Dr. Edmond Dragoti-Chief of the Social Work and Social Policy Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Edlira Haxhiymeri, Dr. Eliona Bimbashi (Kulluri), Dr. Izela Tahsini, Dr. Elona Dhëmbo, Daniela Kalaja, Irida Agolli, Juliana Ajdini, Marinela Sota, Florion BejleriSOS Children Villages:Almandina Guma, National Advocacy AdviserBethany Christian Services:Prof. Dr. Milika Dhamo, Program Director (Professor at Psychology Department)Every Child, Albania:Alketa Kosta, Social Worker

SCIENTIFIC EDITINGProf. Dr. Theodhori Karaj and Prof. Dr. Edmond Dragoti

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Ministry of Labour: Denada Seferi, Directory of Social Policies; Miranda Pashaj, State Agency for Children Rights Protection; Alida Tota, Directory of Policies for Equal Opportunities and Family Social State Services: Kozeta Mesiti, General Director; Anisa Softa, Training and Projects SectionFaculty of Social Sciences/Department of Social Work and Social Policies:Prof. Dr. Edmond Dragoti; Prof. Dr. Izela Tahsini UNICEF: Floriana Hima, Child, Youth and Family Protection ProgrammeTerre des hommes: Sendrine Constant; Enkelejda Lopari

IN COLLABORATION WITH

Sherbimi ShteterorSocial

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Backgroundto the Training

Since 2005, the CPU (Child Protection Unit) Model has been gradually introduced in Albania as a way to promote the protection of children. The development of the model has been supported by a number of key agencies, such as the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, UNICEF, some pilot Municipalities and Communes and several NGOs including Partners for Children, Save the Children, Terre des hommes and World Vision.

The support provided for the establishment and operationalization of the CPUs has ranged from financial and material assistance, through to training and capacity building initiatives. In addition, a working protocol for the functioning of the CPUs was produced by partner agencies.

The introduction of new laws on protecting children, which cemented the central role of the CPUs and the establishment of the State Agency for Protection of the Rights of Children, combined with reflections on the experience of Child Protection Units, led to an identification of the need for greater standardisation across Albania of the skills, knowledge and capacities of Child Protection Workers.

Initiatives are currently on going to develop certification criteria for Child Protection Workers (CPWs) and to increase the numbers of appropriately qualified staff entering the workforce. However, it is acknowledged that these efforts are going to take time to realise, and in the meantime interim measures need to be put in place to ensure minimum service levels in the CPUs. This recognition led to the development of the training programme.

While the training is primarily aimed at Child Protection Workers in the Child Protection Units, it is anticipated that they may also be used to support the skills development of other workers concerned with child protection and child welfare, such as those working in residential institutions, service providers, NGOs, education and health.

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Development of theTraining Programme

Under the coordination and guidance of Terre des hommes, the training materials were developed by a group of experts, including academics and practitioners. The drafts of each module were peer reviewed, before being finalised.

A steering committee, comprised of representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, State Social Services, State Agency for Child Rights Protection, Faculty of Social Work of Tirana University of Social Sciences, UNICEF, and Terre des hommes were responsible for the final approval of each module. They also approved the initial outline and contents of the training.

Format & Content of the Training Materials

The training is comprised of 11 modules, representing 22 days training in total. Each module contains all the necessary materials to facilitate the training, including exercises and hand-outsand detailed instructions for how to conduct the training for maximum effect. The materials contained in the modules are a mix of the core theoretical information related to each topic and the development of practical skills. A range of learning techniques is used including formal presentation, group work and individual exercises and case studies/case scenarios. In order to promote learning and retention of knowledge, each module has an assignment, to be completed before the next module is studied.

Although the modules can be delivered as individual standalone units, they fit together to provide a comprehensive course for child protection workers, specifically within the Albanian context. The course has been designed as an in-service training package that should be completed by all CPWs within 12 months of appointment. The course can also be run as refresher training for staff that may already have the necessary qualification and skills.

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Outline of Modules –Rationales & Objectives

MODULE 1

MODULE 2

MODULE 3

MODULE 5:

MODULE 4

MODULE 6

MODULE 7

MODULE 8

MODULE 9

MODULE 10

MODULE 11

Meaning of Childhood & Organisation of Social Welfare (1 day)

Children’s Needs (3 days)

Understanding Child Abuse (2 days)

Assessment (2 days)

Early Intervention including Working with Families & Family Visits (2 days)

Assessment (2 days)

Empowering Children & Direct Work with Children (2 days)

Alternative Care (2 days)

The Legal Framework (2 days)

Case Management (2 days)

Multidisciplinary Working and Roles & Responsibilities (2 days)

This module is designed to set the context for the programme. It begins by exploring the nature of childhood, before moving on to consider the context in which child well-being is promoted in Albania and the development of children’s services.

Main objectives for the module are to:

Explore what ‘childhood’ means in the Albanian context, and the situation for children in AlbaniaExplain why child rights are important, and how they connect with child protection workUnderstand the changing nature of child protection work in Albania, and how child protection

work is connected to other broader social/economic initiatives, such as social protection

In order to be able to work with children to promote their safety and wellbeing, it is essential that workers have a foundation level of knowledge on which to base their assessments and interventions. Being aware of indicators of wellbeing is critical in the identification of children at risk/experiencing abuse.

Main objectives for the module are to:

Identify the developmental milestones for childrenExplore the importance of relationships and significance of adults in the life of childrenUnderstand the different styles of parenting and how these affect the life of the child, and their

behaviourExplore the importance of parent – child communicationDefine resilience, and its importance, and identify strategies for enhancing resilience

For children to be safeguarded, it is essential that workers have a good understanding of child abuse. This needs to be not only in terms of definitions, but also with regards to actual experiences of children who have been abused.

Main objectives for the module are to:

Understand the phenomenon of child abuse, including the social and environmental factors and dynamics that perpetuate abuse

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MODULE 1: Meaning of Childhood & Organisation of Social Welfare (1 day)

MODULE 3: Understanding Child Abuse (2 days)

MODULE 2: Children’s Needs (3 days)

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Define ‘child abuse’ and its manifestations with reference to international standards and Albanian law

Identify and explore the signs and symptoms of abuse – considering its impact on childrenUnderstand vulnerability and risk factors

Assessment is a critical skill for workers. Without it, decision making and plans may have little impact on the life of the child and their family. In order to promote good outcomes for children, assessments must be based on the individual needs of children, not predetermined by services available. Furthermore, careful management of risk is necessary to safeguard children.

In addition to considering assessment, this module lays the foundations for successful interventions with children and families, to be explored in subsequent modules.

Main objectives for the module are to:

Understand the assessment process – including, principles, types and dimensions of assessmentConsider how to effectively engage children and families during the assessment processExplore the concept of ‘good enough parenting’ and its links to assessing parenting capacityExamine risk, and risk levelsConsider the importance of analysis and decision making in relation to the development of plans

for childrenExplore different tools that can be used to gather information during the assessment process

Early intervention is an important feature of a child protection system, on the continuum of intervention. Interviewing early, when risks are identified, can prevent situations becoming worse and risk levels rising. Being able to offer early intervention to families is an important prevention strategy for workers to acquire.

Main objectives for the module are to:

Introduce the concept of early intervention and family support, as a means to decreasing both likelihood of abuse and its impact

Explore the reasons for family visits and how to manage visits successfullyConsider the key observation skills necessary when visiting families and practice those skillsIdentify and practice skills for successful communication with familiesExplore the technical of ‘’Brief Solution Focussed’’ work and its role in early intervention and

family supportExamine the concept of positive parenting/discipline, and how to give advice to caregiversIdentify good practice when working with families

MODULE 5: Early Intervention including Working with Families & Family Visits (2 days)

MODULE 4: Assessment (2 days)

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A key function of the CPU work is the protection of children who are at high risk/currently suffering from abuse. It is important that workers feel confident in dealing with situations where there are high levels of risk. This module explores the key processes and stages necessary when providing protective services, and also considers some of the specific needs of abused children. This module links with several others - in particular with the modules on Assessment and Children’s Needs and the following modules on the Legal Framework and Case Management.

Main objectives for the module are to:

Explore the role of the CPU in protecting children, and the underpinning value base and ethical principles

Define child protection and protection mechanisms, considering stages and steps in child protective services work

Consider the role of case investigationExplore the development of protection plans – including their importance, dimensions and links

to the case management process in AlbaniaExamine the range of services that may be necessary for abused and neglected children, and who

should provide theseExplore the concept of child friendly procedures in child protection workConsider the cycle of recovery and reintegration and possibilities for family reunification

Children have a right to participate in decisions that affect their lives. CPU workers need to understand how to promote the participation of children in order to ensure that they are empowered to be agents of change in their own lives. In addition, workers need to be able to communicate with and support children. This module considers some of the processes involved, and gives an introduction to the necessary skills.

Main objectives for the module are to:

Learn the skills needed and develop abilities to be able to communicate with childrenExplore the dynamics of ‘helping’ children and the process involved, particularly in relation to

ethical dilemmas and implications for practiceExamine the concepts of child participation and child involvement, and issues to be consideredUnderstand how to empower children and increase their abilities to keep themselves saferExplore the concepts of ‘peer education’ and peer support and the basic principles involved

MODULE 7: Empowering Children & Direct Work with Children (2 days)

MODULE 6: Specialised Child Protective Services for Abused Children (2 days)

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Unfortunately the separation of children from their families is not always unavoidable. This module explores the reasons why children might be separated from their families, the options for care when a child is not able to live with their families, and how to ensure that the needs of children are met while living outside their families.

Main objectives for the module are to:

Identity the root causes of family separation and the characteristics of families most likely to abandon children

Explore the different models of alternative care and their useIdentify the decision making processes to determine the most appropriate form of alternative

care, and the roles of the various agencies and institutionsConsider the development of foster care within AlbaniaExplore the concept of permanency planning and the roles of various actors in promoting

permanencyConsider how family dynamics and relationships change after separation, and how to reduce the

negative impacts of such Explore how to help children successfully manage the changes in their livesExamine the importance of standards for child care

The legal framework sets the context for the work of protecting children in Albania. This module explores the main concepts and provisions within Albanian and international law to protect children. It is presented as one of the later modules as it is important for CPU workers to recognise that while the law is important, for its effective implementation and use, careful assessment of a child’s needs is first necessary.Main objectives for the module are to:

Present the Albanian Legal Framework related children protectionDescribe the main problematic issues related law enforcement from the Courts and other state

institutions responsible of children protection in AlbaniaExplore practical ways and recommendations of using legal mechanisms for the benefit of

children protection and care in Albania

MODULE 9: The Legal Framework (2 days)

MODULE 8: Alternative Care (2 days)

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The Working Protocol for Child Protection Workers, adopted in Albania lays down a case management system to be used in situations where there are concerns about the well-being and safety of a child. The use of case management is widely viewed as an effective way of ensuring consistency and in the efforts to ensure that children’s needs are met. This module explores the case management system in Albania and also considers the important complimentary aspects of record keeping and report writing.

Since this module requires participants to integrate all the knowledge gained from previous modules, particularly in relation to Assessment, and apply it to the case management process to some extent it can also be considered as a useful refresher.

Main objectives for the module are to:

Understand the purpose of the case management process in child protection work in Albania and the key principles, steps and procedures for each phase

Explore the principles to be taken into account during the development of individual care plansConsider the importance of monitoring care plans, and processes for doing soExplore the importance of appropriate record keeping and use of a data baseConsider the different types of reports that are needed, and explore the corresponding writing

skills necessary

Working together collaboratively is a fundamental principle of good practice in child protection, and a core element of national child protection systems. This final module considers the importance of multidisciplinary working and some of the factors that impinge on its success. Also considered are some of the specific issues when working across national borders (for example in the case of trafficking). Since this training is specifically written for CPU workers, the role of the CPU worker, and what influences it, will be examined.

Main objectives for the module are to:

Reconfirm the core values, roles and responsibilities of CPU workerConsider the influences exerted on the CPU worker, and how this might impact on the work

of the CPU workerIdentify ethical dilemmas/dimensions and ways to ensure that work is carried out in an non-

discriminatory wayReview the importance of interagency working in relation to child protection and review the

roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders involved and learn practical skills for facilitating inter-agency collaboration

Explore some of the issues involved when working internally/across borders on child protection cases

MODULE 11: Multidisciplinary Working and Roles & Responsibilities (2 days)

MODULE 10: Case Management (2 days)

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Future Actions & Development

As mentioned earlier, there are plans in place to institute a national certification scheme for social workers to ensure that those who work in Child Protection Units are suitably qualified. However, this is likely to take some time to establish and implement, and for the effects of this to impact on the workforce.

In the meantime, in December 2012, trainers selected from partner agencies, including the University of Tirana, who developed the materials are participating in a preparation workshop in order to discuss the delivery and organisation of the first round of training.

It is expected that the first cohort of CPWs will commence the training programme in 2013. Those who successfully complete the programme will be given a certificate of recognition, and discussions are continuing with the university about establishing the course as a qualification endorsed and certified by the university.

Preparation workshop with trainers in Korca,December 2012

Promoting Child Welfareand Protection in Albania

In Service Training Programme forChild Protection / Child Welfare Workers

Terre des hommes Albania

PO Box 7426, Tirana - AlbaniaTel/Fax: +355 (0) 42 46 88 11Web: www.tdh-childprotection.org / www.tdh.chEmail: info@tdhalbania.org

Terre des hommes Albania

Terre des hommes Albania

@TdhAlbania

NORWEGIAN MINISTRYOF FOREIGN AFFAIRS