Training Foster Families: Temporary Care, Lasting Impact

In April, two dedicated trainings were held in Zajecar and Sabac, where a total of 22 foster families enhanced their knowledge and skills to offer this specialized form of support.

Foster families with existing experience in standard fostering are empowered to take on a new role—providing temporary family care for children with developmental disabilities.

The training introduced the concept of short-term family care as a temporary support aimed at improving the quality of life for the child and their family, while also preventing family separation.

This type of care offers children valuable new experiences and helps reduce social isolation, while simultaneously strengthening family resilience.

Participants particularly highlighted the importance of group work, interactive exchange, and practical examples that helped them clarify dilemmas and recognise the benefits of this form of support.

They saw the training as a valuable incentive to consider engaging in the provision of short-term foster care, thereby further contributing to child protection.

These trainings were conducted as part of the “PRO - Local Governance for People and Nature” program, jointly implemented by United Nations agencies in Serbia – UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNEP, in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia and with financial support from the Government of Switzerland.