Description
Project WINGS is aimed at young people aged 12 to 18 years, living in foster care. Through counseling conversations, formed support groups, forum and with well qualified staff, we will empower young people. The project will profoundly research the needs of young people in the path of independence through more than 100 information and counseling interviews. All of this will lead to the establishment of a program of support at the national level for these young people. Additionally the project will reach the general public through forum and will contribute to greater professionalism in the field of foster care in Slovenia.
Summary of project results
The aim of the project WINGS was to provide a full, comprehensive survey on the lives of young people (from 12 - 18) in foster care. No such survey was conducted before and foster care in Slovenia could be improved (legislation should change shortly). So it was really important to get some good analysis before the legislation is adopted. By intense work with Centers for social work and youngsters, a project leader gained information on how youngsters feel and what they need while in foster care. The project leader had some difficulties approaching youngsters, since she didn't get their contacts and they were not so kin on participating in the survey - afraid of sharing their fears and feelings. She only managed to involve 62 young people in the survey (she used several different approaches and put in an extra effort to get them involved) but the sample is still representative. The results of the survey were published in representative national media from this field - Rejniški zbornik. Project promoter continues working with young people in foster care by conducting different workshops, leading "support group", organizing common trips, discussions etc.
Summary of bilateral results