Youth Services
Just like women without children, mothers and their children can benefit from all the same services; housing, external or post follow-ups.
Meetings can be done separately with the child or with the mother, or together mother and child, depending on the subject and type of intervention desired. Individual or group interventions, as well as animated seasonal activities can be organized!
Various specific tools adapted to the needs of youth and children are used to reduce the impact of exposure to conjugal violence. These tools are related to the management of emotions, power relations and violence in relationships.
Strengthening the bond between a mother and her child is at the heart of all our interventions. We support mothers in improving communication with their children in addition to the support related to the consequences conjugal violence has on the mother herself. These interventions provide a better understanding of the problem and children feel supported. Keeping in mind that living in a violent home can greatly affect the mother-child relationship, workers can act on elements such as recovering parental authority or the feelings of parental competence, if the mother wishes. Many different forms of support are also available; however they must always respect the needs and rhythm of each mother
The role of the youth worker
The youth worker is the first person to welcome the child. She is there to listen and to understand all of the impacts that conjugal violence may have on them. She tries, by using creativity and flexibility, to create a relationship of trust. This approach facilitates interventions as it helps them to express their experience and better understand the situation. Through the tools adapted to the child’s needs, she helps the child understand the different emotions that they may feel as well as help to free them from any guilt and responsibility experienced by the mother. The worker plays the role of a confidante and a friend, and aims to restore the child’s position and the need to be simply that; a child.
The worker is also the mother’s ally, as she works in collaboration with her based on her needs and wishes. Feedback is always issued to her following meetings and interactions with the child; it contributes to the assessment of the mother and child’s needs. The objective of each intervention is ultimately to strengthen the mother-child bond. The mother maintains authority over the child at all times and nothing is done without her consent.
