Strengthening Family Care The separation of children from their families can result from many causes, including the death of one or both parents, abandonment, displacement due to armed conflict, trafficking, or simply the inability or unwillingness of the family to provide care. The roots of separation can also be found in behavior problems, relationship difficulties, abuse, or neglect. Separation is also caused by larger systemic issues such as poverty, conflict, natural disaster, or HIV/AIDS. Read More Family preservation services aim to address such causes and the need for subsequent alternative care arrangements by providing interventions that promote the safety and well being of the child and family. Such services may include: Family support interventions Health and nutrition programmes Education programmes Psychosocial support Household economic strengthening programmes Prevention of family separation is called for in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (article 16) and is integral to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (articles 5–9, 18, 24, 27-29). These rights apply to all families and children, regardless of their nationality, or status. The Better Care Network advocates for assistance and service provision to vulnerable families, in order to prevent unnecessary separation. The documents in this section provide examples of social support and assistance programmes designed to maintain family unity. Parenting Support Families require support when faced with problems they are unable to overcome on their own. Explore Health and Nutrition Programmes Families affected by illness and poverty may not be able to provide adequately for their child or lack access to essential health services. Explore Education Programmes Schools are ideal for encouraging awareness of issues which place children at risk and increase the likelihood of child separation Explore Psychosocial Support The best form of psychosocial support for children is a healthy family and supportive community Explore Household Economic Strengthening Household economic strengthening aims to reduce a family's vulnerability to poverty, increase economic independence, and improve the ability to… Explore
