Events
Making life a safe adventure
Strengthening families to prevent maltreatment of children with disabilities
In occasion of the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Residential dissemination event
(Ca’ La Ghironda ModernArtMuseum, Zola Predosa, Bologna, Italy)
19/20 November 2009
Promoted by AIAS Bologna onlus and its national and international partners, in collaboration with Ca’ la Ghironda ModernArtMuseum, this two day event has focussed on operational strategies for the prevention of maltreatment of children with disabilities. As the experience of the consortium has shown, effective prevention strategies should be based on the enhancement of protective factors in the life situation of the child and the family. In dealing with this important issue we need to move away from the prejudice that disability automatically leads to situations of tension, depression and risk, and explore the individual, family and community resources that can be developed for preventive purposes. The event has highlighted the importance of the family and of its strength and needs. It has highlighted how respect for the rights of the child and the development of his/her potential can contribute to a change in the perception of disability. During the event we have focussed on the three-way relationship Child-Parent-Professional, on communication issues and on the need for supportive networks which strengthen families and contribute to making the life of children with disabilities a safe adventure.