The Cantonal public institution Home for children without parental care Sarajevo, in cooperation with Foundation Second, organized a professional psychoeducation session for the institution’s caregivers on Friday, November 14, titled “The Caregiver as a Key Figure in a Child’s Development.” The training was led by Adisa Vrabac, an integrative psychotherapist for children and adolescents, who used her professional expertise and practical work to empower caregivers to better understand their role in the emotional, social, and identity development of the children they care for.
During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the emotional and developmental needs of children growing up in an institutional environment, and to learn how children’s needs can be recognized through their behaviour. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of building a stable and secure relationship between caregiver and child, as caregivers often represent the only available “secure base” for children who have gone through various forms of adverse experiences.
The practical part of the workshop focused on the caregiver’s role in communication, emotional support, and setting healthy boundaries, with the aim of providing participants with concrete tools they can apply in their everyday work. The training created space for exchanging experiences, reflection, and joint learning, as well as for recognizing the challenges caregivers face, especially regarding the risk of emotional burnout.
The importance of this type of training is confirmed by the participants’ feedback. Elmira Pejčinović, Head of the Shelter unit, emphasized how valuable this form of support is in their daily practice:
“In my opinion, this type of training is very useful, and it would even be desirable for it to take place continuously, given that we work with the most vulnerable category of children and are exposed to the risk of burnout. The help, suggestions, and guidance of experts like Adisa are of great importance to us, and therefore to the children we work with.”
Her words best reflect the weight and importance of the caregiver’s role, which goes far beyond meeting children’s basic needs. It requires daily emotional investment, patience, presence, and understanding. This is why Foundation Second, in cooperation with the Home for children, continues to invest in professional support programmes, capacity building, and the creation of a safe, stable, and supportive environment for those who selflessly devote their time and energy to children.
This training is only the first step in what we aim to build together. Foundation Second will continue to cover the costs of additional professional trainings, workshops, and support programmes, ensuring that caregivers receive ongoing assistance and opportunities for professional development. In this way, long-term, sustainable, and high-quality care for children without parental care is strengthened—an essential part of the joint efforts of the Home for children and Foundation Second to improve the quality of life of children without parental care and support those who are their daily safety, support, and first line of protection. Foundation Second remains committed to long-term cooperation with the Home for Children, building sustainable support models, and empowering all those who work with children facing the most sensitive life experiences.
