LACE - Learning communities for foster parents
This project receives the financial support of the European Union (Erasmus+)
Key Action number: KA220 ADU
Learning communities for foster parents
In 2024, more than 34,000 unaccompanied minors applied for asylum in Europe. For many, foster care is a crucial alternative to institutional care because it offers stability, meaningful relationships, and a sense of belonging. At the same time, foster families and these young people often face emotional, practical, and intercultural challenges that can lead to stress, isolation, or even placement breakdown.
The LACE project (Learning & Communities for Empowering Foster Parents) aims to strengthen resilience and improve the well-being of both unaccompanied minors and foster parents. This is achieved by creating learning communities where foster parents, care professionals, and (former) unaccompanied minors learn together, exchange experiences, and co-create knowledge.
Over a two-year period, these learning communities will be developed and supported in collaboration with partner organizations in Italy, Spain, and Cyprus. Participants will take part in interactive sessions focused on strengthening skills, sharing experiences, and promoting resilience within the foster care context.
Partners:
- Odisee University of Applied Sciences (Belgium, coordinator).
- Salesiani per il Sociale APS (Italy)
- Hope for Children CRC Policy Center (Cyprus)
- Fundación Diagrama Intervención Psicosocial (Spain)
- Equality Cooperativa Sociale (Italy)
Key Action number: KA220 ADU
The Odisee research team
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Katja Fournier (Centre of Expertise in Family Sciences)
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Isabel Berckmans (Orthopedagogy training)
