Caring for the Caregiver Supports Better Outcomes for Children

Belgrade, May 2026 - More than 100 professionals from the health, social welfare, and preschool education sectors from 13 cities and municipalities have strengthened their knowledge and skills to support families with young children through the accredited programme “Caring for the Caregiver”, organised by the Centre for Social Policy.

The programme is designed to strengthen the capacities of professionals to support the emotional well-being of parents and caregivers, particularly those from socially vulnerable groups. Through the training, participants gain knowledge and practical tools to help parents manage stress, strengthen family relationships, and develop the skills needed to care for children, even in challenging life circumstances.

Participants highlighted that the programme helped improve cooperation across sectors and build stronger relationships of trust with families. It promotes empathy, a better understanding of the needs of parents and caregivers, and collaborative problem-solving that draws on the strengths of families and the resources available within local communities.

In addition to the practical component of the training, online supervision sessions were organised to support the exchange of experiences and the application of newly acquired knowledge and skills in everyday work. During one such session, held in May 2026, professionals from Čačak, Užice, Šabac, Ivanjica, Pirot and Surdulica concluded that the programme is highly relevant and applicable in practice and contributes significantly to their confidence, persistence and motivation to provide quality support to every parent and caregiver.

The programme is based on the understanding that supported parents are better equipped to respond to the challenges of parenting and to provide children with the care, attention and stimulation they need for healthy development. Caring for parents and caregivers is therefore an important step towards creating a nurturing environment in which every child can grow, learn and thrive.

The training is part of the project “Improving the Position and Access to Rights of Informal Waste Collectors in the Context of Modernising the Waste Management System”, implemented by the Centre for Social Policy within the programme “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature”. The programme is jointly implemented by the United Nations agencies in Serbia – UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNEP – in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia and with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland.