I take care of myself to take care of others

From January 30th to June 30th, 2023, a team of 22 professionals from the different care modalities of the CRAN Foundation, composed of psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, pedagogues, nursing assistants and nutritionists, received training and advice on mental health from external consultants. The objective of the process is to strengthen strategies for the care of children and adolescents, and work with adult caregivers from a preventive approach to the risks of mental health problems, through a non-conventional and intentional care model, which includes activities related to art, culture, games, music, dance, sports, among others, in the dynamics of care.

This approach and the associated methodologies are adapted to the needs, interests and learning styles of the participants, and have made it possible to improve the attention and active participation of 96 children and adolescents who have been in the care of the foundation during this period while their violated rights are being restored, as well as 34 adolescents who have been victims of recruitment by illegal armed groups, who are in the process of social reintegration and 28 adult caregivers who accompany these children and adolescents in their processes.

In addition, this process has fostered each professional's awareness of the importance of taking care of their mental health, as this strengthens their abilities to manage stress, understand the children's emotions and perspectives, deal effectively with challenging situations, promote clear and respectful communication, remain calm in difficult situations and handle daily frustrations in a healthy manner. In this way, a continuous process of updating and strengthening the competencies and capacities of those responsible for ensuring the best possible environment for the temporary care of abused children and adolescents while they return to a loving and caring family is promoted.