Be the Hand That Loves: Professionals Strengthened in Supporting Parents of Children with Disabilities

Cacak/Nis, June 2025 – The training programme Be the Hand That Loves was successfully delivered to two groups of professionals working with families of children with developmental disabilities. The first training took place in Cacak on 3–4 June with 19 participants, while the second was held in Nis on 11–12 June, bringing together 24 professionals. Participants included staff from local social protection services and centres for social work.

The training aimed to equip professionals with tools to support parents based on principles of positive parenting and non-violent discipline. Through structured modules, participants deepened their understanding of what children need from parents, how to encourage families to reflect on their parenting approaches, and how to guide them toward more nurturing practices.

The programme clearly defined harmful parenting behaviours to avoid and presented practical, positive alternatives. Participants also explored ways parents can seek and access support, and how professionals can connect them to the right services.

In addition to these core topics, the training covered specific aspects of caring for children with developmental disabilities and supporting adolescents, giving participants a broad and practical foundation.

A key part of the training focused on improving professionals’ communication skills with parents – from building and maintaining trusting relationships to recognising common barriers and learning strategies to overcome them.

The training sessions were conducted as part of the “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature” programme, jointly implemented by UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNEP, in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia and with financial support from the Government of Switzerland.