Safe Families Common Approach – Elevator Pitch

Save the Children’s Safe Families approach is a universal preventative programme for use in development and humanitarian contexts to reduce physical and humiliating punishment. We work with children of all ages, caregivers and communities to support families to better communicate and solve problems together and encouraging adults to better understand child development and see children as rights holders with their own views and perspectives.

There are four components of the approach: parenting training and support; sessions for children to help them feel safe and valued and know where to seek help; supporting communities to address harmful social and gender norms that perpetuate violence against children; and strengthening laws and policies to support children and families and ban all forms of violence against children.

Transforming gender and power dynamics is embedded throughout as well as specific guidance on supporting both caregivers and children with disabilities. Caregivers and children engage in activities to identify the gendered attitudes and norms, not just around violence, but around all aspects of parenting and caregiving. The approach actively engages men and women in positive parenting group sessions, adult-child interactions, and community mobilisation activities which encompass reflections on gender roles, gender equality, and caregiving roles. At the same time, girls and boys attend sessions including reflection and dialogue on gender values and gender equality.