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Family Strengthening Programme (FSP) for the prevention of child abandonment
The FSP is an outreach community-based programme of SOS Children’s Villages Mauritius. It is a right-based programme that addresses the root causes of child abandonment in Mauritius by empowering families to properly care after their children. The programme is based on the principle of the organisation that the family is fundamental for the protection, growth and development of the child.
Thus, officers of the FSP work with needy families in disadvantaged locations to strengthen such families and facilitate the development of their localities, and fulfil children’s needs.
Concretely, the programme services include: education, family counselling, food assistance, advocacy, sensitisation and referrals to specialised institutions. The FSP works in partnership other agencies.
Certificate ceremony for the participants (FSP Bambous) of a leadership course
Who are the primary beneficiaries?
The children are the primary beneficiaries of the FSP. The family is supported so as to preserve the natural family environment thus, avoiding the need for residential care which is a last resort.
How do we work with the families?
Vulnerable families are referred to the programme by community leaders. The families must collaborate to solve their problems and gradually become self-reliant. Each case is regularly followed up by qualified social workers.
What approach is adopted in the FSP?
The FSP adopts an integrated approach whereby changes must come at least at all three levels – the community, the family and the child. For instance, unless the needs of the community are addressed it is considered that the protection of the child cannot be sustainable.
What are the services offered?
The services depend on the needs of each family. They include: food assistance, advocacy, referrals to say Social Security and other NGOs, remedial education for children, psychological services, counselling, social leadership training, sensitisation and dissemination of information and parental education.
 Beneficiaries of FSP Bambous proudly showing a project on peace done during the remedial classes
Who are eligible for assistance under the FSP?
There must be children at risk of abandonment or abuse (or of potential abuse), or whose basic rights (e.g., rights for education or survival and development) are not protected. Several indicators are used in the FSP.
- Family income
- Survival needs of children
- Child neglect or abandonment
- Child abuse
- Parents are not capable to care for the child
- Conditions of poverty
- Orphans
What does the family contributes?
The programme is offered free of charge as it is sponsored by donors. However, the family must accept the principles of the programme and make necessary effort and take advantage of the programme services.
Where does the programme operate?
There are two locations, namely, Bambous in the District of Black River and Cité Mangalkhan in Floréal.
How does the programme operate?
The success of the programme depends upon the participation of volunteers and the community. It operates in network with the active support and collaboration of other NGOs and government services. A local committee supports the staff on the field.
What are the sources of funding?
The FSP for Bambous location is sponsored to the extent of 75% by the Decentralised Cooperation Programme/ European Union for two years. The other major donor for Bambous is “Fondation Médine Horizon”. The programme cost for Cité Mangalkhan is sponsored by the HSBC Future First trust.
Contact Details:
| Address: | The Village Manager
Family Strengthening Programme
C/o SOS Children’s Villages Bambous
Geoffroy Street, NHDC road, Bambous, Black River District | | Email: | soscv.bambous@intnet.mu | | Phone: | (230) 452-2701
(230) 452-2703 | | Fax: | (230) 452-2702 |
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