Family+ Project: Supporting Families & Positive Parenting in Ticino
A collaborative initiative in the Ticino region of Switzerland is demonstrating significant success in supporting families and strengthening local educational networks. The “Family+” project, spearheaded by the West Ticino inter-municipal consortium for socio-assistance services, is operating under the umbrella of the regional “Positive Parenting” program.
Expanding Support Networks
“Family+” was launched in with the core objective of providing support to families with minor children and bolstering territorial educational networks,” explains Carla Zucco, President of the Consortium’s Board of Directors. The project represents an innovative approach to localized welfare, integrating personalized educational guidance, group activities for parents and children, academic support, facilitation of access to local resources, and acts of solidarity aimed at combating social isolation and fostering supportive relationships between families.
To date, the project has engaged 96 families within the territory. Approximately half of these families are of Italian origin, while the remaining represent fifteen different nationalities. This engagement encompasses a total of 160 children, adolescents, and young people. Zucco and the Consortium’s Head of the Adult, Minor and Family Area emphasize that these figures significantly exceed initial targets, confirming a strong demand for parental support services in the region.
Focus on Social Inclusion
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the project is its work promoting the social inclusion of children and young people. This is achieved through encouraging participation in educational, sporting, and social activities, considered crucial for the well-being and development of the next generation. Alongside individualized interventions, group activities play a central role in building relationships between families and strengthening informal support networks. Specific programs have been developed for mothers with migrant backgrounds, designed to reduce social isolation and promote neighborhood connections, mutual understanding, and reciprocal support.
“The project represents a significant experience of territorial welfare oriented towards prevention, capable of supporting families before difficulties escalate into emergencies and strengthening the sense of community,” notes Dr. Caprino, a project contributor.
Investment in Operator Training and Multidisciplinary Approach
Valentina Bertone, Director of CISA (Centro di Informazione e Servizi per l’Anziano – Information and Services Centre for the Elderly, though the project focuses on families, not the elderly), highlights the project’s commitment to continuous professional development for its operators. “Family+” adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating educational, social skills, and methodologies based on expressive and relational languages.
Looking Ahead: Public Forums for Discussion
The results and future development prospects of the project will be explored through public forums planned for the coming months. Lido Beltrame, President of the CISA Municipalities Assembly, explains that these events will involve institutions, services, schools, and local organizations to provide a comprehensive overview of the actions undertaken since to support minors, their inclusion, socialization, and positive parenting.
The “Family+” project’s success underscores a growing recognition of the importance of early intervention and holistic support for families. The project’s emphasis on inclusivity, coupled with its investment in operator training and a multidisciplinary approach, positions it as a model for other regions seeking to strengthen their social safety nets and promote positive child development.
The project’s focus on preventative welfare – intervening before challenges become crises – is a key element of its effectiveness. By fostering community connections and providing targeted support, “Family+” aims to create a more resilient and supportive environment for families in the Ticino region. The consortium’s proactive approach to identifying and addressing the needs of families, particularly those facing psychosocial stress, aligns with broader trends in social welfare towards early intervention and family-centered care.
While the project initially focused on the Bellinzona region, it has since expanded throughout the Canton of Ticino, demonstrating its scalability and adaptability. This expansion, beginning in , reflects a commitment to providing equitable access to support services across the region. The project builds upon earlier initiatives, such as the “PAT – Imparo con i genitori” (Parents as Teachers) program, which provides home visits and support to families from pregnancy through age three. The “Da -9 a +36” project, a development of the “PAT” program, specifically aimed to improve collaboration between prenatal and postnatal healthcare professionals to ensure early and consistent support for families.
The success of “Family+” also highlights the value of inter-agency collaboration. By bringing together educators, social workers, and healthcare professionals, the project is able to provide a comprehensive and coordinated response to the needs of families. This collaborative approach is essential for addressing the complex challenges faced by families today, particularly those experiencing social isolation or economic hardship.