Project “Incontro”

In January 2021, the Ministry of the Interior approved the project “INCONTRO – Strengthening the network system in Tuscany for the prevention and contrast of violence against foreign minors” under the “FAMI 2014-2020 – OS2 – ON3 Capacity Building – letter j) Governance of services – System interventions to strengthen prevention and contrast of violence against foreign minors.” The project was presented in collaboration with several local organizations: Oxfam Italia Intercultura, Cooperativa Alice, Progetto 5 Cooperativa Sociale, Società della Salute Area Pratese, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest/Società della Salute Valli Etrusche, Azienda USL Toscana Sud Est, Comune di Cecina, and Comune di Bibbiena. Its goals include:

1. Collaboration and Best Practices: Strengthen collaboration and exchange of best practices among Tuscan stakeholders involved in the care of foreign minors who are victims or potential victims of violence, along with their families and support networks. This includes defining a pilot model for identification, orientation, and care in three areas: the plain between Florence and Prato, the Arezzo area, and the Etruscan Valleys.
2. Operational Protocols: Define common operational protocols for the care of foreign minors who are victims, for all involved actors (Social Services, schools, ASL health authorities, Third Sector entities such as reception centers, anti-violence services, and educational services).
3. Training and Skills: Improve the knowledge and skills of operators engaged in protecting minors (social workers, healthcare personnel, teachers, reception workers, cultural mediators, etc.) through an intercultural and ethno-anthropological perspective to adequately meet the needs of the target group.
4. Strengthen Local Services: Enhance territorial services for the care of foreign minors who are victims of violence by qualifying existing services and introducing experimental models for early identification, service orientation, and comprehensive protection of minors at risk.
5. Dissemination of the Integrated Model and Awareness: Promote, at the institutional level, an integrated model for the prevention and contrast of violence against foreign minors (both within families and unaccompanied), to encourage good social inclusion practices at local, regional, and national levels, as well as raise awareness in the community.

Activities carried out:

• Strengthening territorial networks and defining operational protocols for the detection and care of minors who are victims or potential victims of violence and their families.
• Cross-sectoral and psycho-ethno-anthropological training for operators involved in child protection.
• Implementation of a pilot model to improve support services for foreign minors who are victims or at risk of violence.
• Awareness and communication on the phenomenon of violence against foreign minors.

Services offered:

The project provided foreign minors and their families with a range of services, including civic orientation, educational interventions both individual and group-based, psychological support, and parenting support.

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