training course pilot | Portuguese experience

Throughout June and July 2024, Aproximar promoted 2 editions of the Training Course, developed by the CreatingCare initiative. The goals of course “Communication Strategies in the Recruitment of Foster Families” were to provide practical knowledge and resources to professionals that work in areas related to foster care and develop their competencies to effectively communicate and engage with potential foster families, therefore contributing to the deinstitutionalization of unaccompanied minors.
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The Training Course pilot had the participation of a total of 33 professionals from different parts of the country, including social workers, teachers, police officers, social educators and representatives from the Commission for the Protection of Children and Young People. Each edition was constituted by 7 online sessions, led by 6 staff members from the Education and Community Empowerment & the Creative Marketing units, who collaborated to ensure that the desired outcomes of the pilot were reached.

During the sessions, Aproximar’s team had the opportunity to present the main findings from the CreatingCare’s previous work, including the design thinking tools that will allow these professionals to engage with potential foster families in an informal and effective way. Participants also learned how to use digital tools, such as Miro and Canva, applied to marketing and in the context of foster care, through the development of a Communication Plan.
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According to the feedback provided, the Training Course pilot was highly appreciated by participants, who have recognized it as useful and relevant for the development of communication competencies in foster care.