KIDS Support Groups in Brazil

Thanks to your support, Blue Cross Brazil has not only strengthened its work with vulnerable children and adolescents — it has now developed a recognised model that is being replicated by others .

A Model That Works

Over years of dedicated work supporting children affected by family and community substance-use challenges, Blue Cross Brazil has built a practical, evidence-based approach that helps children:

• Strengthen emotional health and resilience

• Develop social–emotional skills for healthy decision-making

• Feel safe to express their experiences and concerns

• Understand risks related to substance use within their environment

This approach has proven so effective that other organisations and municipalities are now seeking to adopt it.

To meet this growing demand, Blue Cross Brazil has launched a structured  Training Programme for professionals working in schools, social services, and community projects. The course is delivered by Specialist staff in Chemical Dependence and Prevention.

Training Highlights:

• Effective prevention strategies and interventions following UNODC principles

• Critical reflection on emotional health and wellbeing

• Tools to develop social-emotional skills in children

• Understanding children’s and adolescents’ perspectives on substance use

• Digital and printed learning materials, plus evaluation tools

Your Impact

By supporting Blue Cross Brazil, you have helped create a model that not only changes lives in one community — but now strengthens prevention work. Your contribution empowers professionals, protects children, and multiplies the long-term impact of evidence-based support.

Thank you for being part of this growing movement for healthier childhoods

The KIDS Support Groups in Brazil continue to carry out valuable work across the country, steadily increasing their impact. The dedicated team remains committed to protecting vulnerable children and bringing meaningful change to various regions in Brazil. 

Across the different locations, the support groups are running successfully. Many children from households where alcohol and other drugs are present regularly attend the sessions, where they find emotional support and practical tools to cope with challenging environments. In addition to working directly with children, training sessions are conducted for community members, including lectures for teachers and church members, focusing mainly on drug prevention. 

In April and May, the team visited a jiu-jitsu support group in Blumenau, Santa Catarina. This program offers young people a safe environment to express their emotions and develop discipline, resilience, and self-confidence through martial arts. The physical activity also serves as a constructive outlet for stress and negative feelings, reducing the temptation to turn to alcohol or other drugs. 

The two ongoing projects, “Free to Live” and “Total Freedom”, have also continued their regular activities in recent months. These initiatives focus on supporting juvenile offenders interned in Blumenau/SC, with weekly sessions. A notable highlight occurred in April 2025 when the “Total Freedom” project organized a special trip under the theme “Life Without Drugs”. The event included diverse recreational activities – football matches, swimming, and shared meals – allowing the participants to bond and envision a healthy lifestyle – without alcohol and other drugs. In July, the project concluded its last outing with the teenagers, marking a meaningful end to this cycle of engagement.

All in all, the KIDS Support Groups in Brazil show a steadfast and inspiring commitment to supporting children and teenagers in vulnerable situations. This impact is only possible thanks to the dedication of various volunteers, staff members, and your donations. Thank you for making this work possible!