Seven out of 10 children in Poland admit to having been exposed to violence, 55% of whom to psychological abuse by parents; 12% witnessed acts of physical violence between guardians (Nobody’s Children Foundation, 2013). Psychological and information aid offered to parents of small children by public, local government, and private entities in Poznań is insufficient; there is a constant shortage of free of charge emotional abuse prevention programmes (Zero to Five Foundation report, 2011).
The project purpose was to prevent social exclusion by improving access to psychological aid for families with children aged 0-6 displaying risk or emotional abuse symptoms.
Parents from 179 families improved their upbringing competencies as a foundation for developing correct and abuse-free relations with children. Sixteen community midwives and 43 kindergarten teachers expanded their knowledge of recognising young children abuse symptoms, and of supporting such children and their parents.
The following activities were delivered: individual/family consultations (750 private office meetings, 100 home visits for 179 families, 30 observation and diagnostic visits to entities for children in therapy); 2 series of workshops for 29 expecting parents; 4 series of workshops for 63 parents of children aged 1-6; 12 therapy fun and games sessions; 10 diagnostic meetings and 15 individual/family consultations (6 children aged 2-6 and their families); 2 training courses for 16 community midwives; 4 supervision sessions for 6 community midwives; 4 training courses for 43 teachers of 4 kindergartens; telephone hotlines (21 consultations) for professionals seeking advice on matters relating to child abuse.
Project beneficiaries included 179 families (509 persons) affected with emotional child abuse, and 16 midwives and 43 kindergarten teachers from the Wielkopolska and Mazovian voivodships.