The Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP) of the Ministry of National Security kicked off the first in its series of workshops that are bringing at-risk youth trainees and their spouses, parents and significant others, face to face in a safe and supportive environment.

Marcia Flynn, CSJP community action officer, said the workshops were designed to assist families to better support their family members involved in CSJP programmes. In highly interactive sessions, family members learn of issues at home which might be affecting the performance of trainees. The workshops also help family members share ideas and solutions with others who may be encountering similar issues.

parenting tips

The inaugural workshop involved family members of approximately 40 persons who are enrolled in HEART Level 2 courses in computer repairs, welding, air conditioning and refrigeration.

Family members were involved in discussions on parental roles and responsibilities. The group received basic parenting tips on: The need to express love and affection; listening, helping the family feel safe; providing order; encouraging responsibility, and offering praise.

Flynn said the session was a good one with useful feedback from those who participated.

The workshop follows a family engagement pilot in Trench Town between November 2008 and April 2009, involving the family members of a group of 32 Level one CSJP beneficiaries being trained in electrical installation.

Flynn said the Family Engagement Workshops help parents and spouses of the trainees to understand the underlying issues impacting their performance in the programmes. Participants learned that issues impacting behaviour include nutrition, comfort, self-esteem, communicating, managing stress and anger, coping with depression, abuse, and single parenting.

A total of eight workshops will be held every month as part of efforts to get families involved in supporting trainees to successfully complete their courses.