The Regional Director for Solidarity and Social Security, Natércia Gaspar, said today that family support is a key issue for the Azorean Government.

Speaking at the conference to mark the 10 years of operation of the mediation services of the Child Support Institute - Azores in Ponta Delgada, which she attended on behalf of the President of the Government, the Regional Director said "the recognition of family as a key element in individual development and its undeniable influence in our lives, with a substantial impact on the levels of development achieved by the Region, justify the option taken by the Government."

In this context, the government official pointed out some "planning tools as well as integrated, differentiated and specialised intervention approaches" aimed at children, youngsters and their respective families. These measures are promoted by the Regional Government in partnership with several entities of the Justice system, Internal Affairs, Private Social Solidarity Institutions and "Misericórdias" (social solidarity institutions). The parenthood support programme, the support to youngsters at risk and the "Contigo" and "Impacto" programmes are some examples of these intervention tools.

According to Natércia Gaspar, the latter aims to prevent the reproduction of violent behaviour among the indirect victims of domestic violence; it will be implemented in the Region next month with the training courses for technicians.

A new intervention directed to parent-teenager conflicts was another measure announced by the Regional Director today, being already in development.

As she added, "in the Azores we have come a long a way in the creation of strategies designed to reduce the negative impact on various aspects of the development of children and youngsters in order to ensure their well-being and healthy development.

For the government official, “there cannot be a step backwards in this path" as it concerns "the best interests of our children and youngsters."

Natércia Gaspar also praised the work carried out by Child Support Institute - Azores, which "has always been a willing and cooperative partner."