HOW THE SAFE FAMILIES APPROACH IS FOSTERING MINDSET CHANGE TOWARDS CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

“My sister with multiple disabilities, does not go to school because my parents separated and no one wants to take care of my sister. She was sent away from home because our mother said she could not manage to stay with her. I think that is discriminating against her, which is a bad thing.

The training on ‘Safe Families’ that we got at school has helped me speak to my parents about the issue of returning my sister to school. My parents have promised to take her back-to-school starting next term (the next school term begins on 15^th September 2025) but also bring her back to stay with us. I hope this happens because I miss staying with my sister.” Patricia Said.

The Safe Families approach is an approach by Save the Children that helps parents to ascertain individual needs and strengths of each of their children. At the same time, it provides parallel sessions for children where they discuss similar topics in a fun and interactive way. Instead of a set of fixed instructions for parents, the approach focuses on building strong relationships. This approach fundamentally changes the way parents view children, transforming a relationship of power and control, to a relationship focused on mutual understanding and problem solving.

“During safe family training, I learnt about child abuse. In my community children are given work that does not fit their age, and I think that is abuse. For instance, during the rain season, parents take other children to the garden to dig for long hours, and they miss school for a long period. This causes them to perform poorly in school and others end up even dropping out of school. Other children with disabilities are also not sent to school by their parents and I think that is not good” Patricia Said.

“With this knowledge, I will continue to speak for my fellow children in my school, especially those who miss school because their parents send them to the garden during school time” Patricia added.

The Safe Families approach implemented by the Transforming the Future For and With Children program in Northern Uganda is creating significant change in families, schools and communities. By equipping children and parents with the tools to build stronger relationships grounded in love, respect, and mutual understanding, this approach is breaking cycles of discrimination and neglect especially for children with disabilities. This approach to child protection is also fostering environments where every child, including those with disabilities, can be seen, heard, and supported to reach their full potential. As Patricia continues to champion her sister’s right to education and inclusion, her voice amplifies the impact of Safe Families transforming homes, strengthening communities, and giving children advocates the courage to shape a brighter future.