Family Focus 2012

Investing in family is more about attitude than economics, according to the SOS Children’s Villages Family Focus 2012 report published on May 15, 2012 on UN Family Day. Entitled, “Challenging Times – What can be done to make 2013 better for families”, it is the result of a survey that identified five main areas of concern for families globally. The document outlines realistic options for legislators and others who wish to do something NOW to improve matters in the year ahead.

Since the end of Sri Lanka’s three decade-long civil war, the government has committed its support to reconstruction, poverty reduction and the development of small enterprises. Nevertheless, one in seven Sri Lankans live below the poverty line and it is estimated that one in five of all jobs held by Sri Lankans are abroad.

Since 2003, SOS Children’s Villages programmes in Pilyandala and Monaragala have supported around 267 families at risk of being separated or unable to provide for their children. More than two thirds of the supported families do not have enough money to meet their daily needs; many are day labourers working in precarious conditions.

Read the case study from Sri Lanka  (pdf | 2.48 mb)

The turbulent economic climate of recent years has severely impacted on the ability of parents across diverse regions of the world to cope and care for children. Cuts in social services, unemployment, infant mortality, educational standards and a lack of coping mechanisms greatly affect not only those who previously faced difficulties, but others who find their families in need of support for the first time. “The current economic challenges that confront governments and decision-makers everywhere are not an excuse for inaction. The word „family‟ comes with respect attached to it,” said Mr. Richard Pichler, Secretary General of SOS Children’s Villages International. “This launch is a call for everyone wishing to put the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into action.”

Family Focus 2012 is about placing the concept of a strong family environment at the core of every decision made by those in positions of influence. It informs those who wish to do what is possible in a spirit of solidarity and partnership. “A family focused approach is more about attitude than economics. A holistic can-do attitude can help the most disadvantaged, and support others before they find themselves beyond the brink of a parenting crisis,” Mr Pichler said. A multitude of issues are common to over 86 countries across five continents.

By understanding “the notion of family,” society can strive to provide parents with the resources needed to live in dignity and to have what is necessary to devote to the full and optimal development of their children. This report reflects the “can-do” attitude of SOS Children’s Villages teams across the globe who took part in a survey providing workable solutions in five key areas.

A combined total of two million people benefit from their efforts – among them over half a million children and families who avail of a combination of: education, health, emergency and individualised programmes, which make vulnerable families strong.

The call to action lists a variety of actions that, if acted on NOW, will make life less challenging and provide the dignity families deserve to build a better life in 2013 and beyond.

Invest in families and support SOS Children’s Villages Moments make families campaign.