Lecture room: Árnagarður – 422. Click for a map.
Working institution
Familievernkontoret Østfold, Bufetat.
Abstract
In 2014, the public BUF etat in Norway wanted to give the parents who have children in foster care an offer that could support them in their situation, and some of the public family counselling offices were asked to do something with this, and received some financial support to start the process.
Since January 2015 at our office Familievernkontoret Østfold we have a support group for this parents once a month.
The group gives the members a place to come together and feel accepted, and meet other parents in the same situation. The topics in the groups have been varied, but the main topics are the individual process as a parent, even though they have limited time with their child, and what a relief it is to meet other parents with similar experiences. The members of the group share quite shameful and painful things from their life, express accept for but also correct each other. It has been important that this is not a group for fighting, sharing lawyer information and complaining, but focus on resources and individual development. The feelings of loss and grief are of course essential.
We would like to share some of our experiences and reflections about the group on the conference. Two of the group members will join us, and share their thoughts and reflections about the group, and the therapeutic potential such a group can offer.
We hope to inspire other to see how it is possible to support the parents, and during that enhance the parenting skills that affect their children, even thought they do not live together.