The family is the first environment in which a child learns behavioral patterns, adopts values, and develops ways of coping with challenges. When this environment lacks strong foundations for healthy emotional and social development, the likelihood increases that a young person will have difficulty recognizing external pressures and responding to challenges appropriately, which in the long term may increase the risk of developing addiction.

For this reason, the Addiction Prevention Competence Centre emphasizes the importance of high-quality, supportive family relationships as one of the key protective factors in addiction prevention. In response to this need, the Strong Families Programme developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is being implemented. The programme focuses on strengthening parenting competencies, improving family skills, and encouraging open communication and positive relationships among family members. Through this programme, parents and caregivers receive support in their parenting roles, while families are empowered to create a stable and supportive home environment.

The training for new facilitators was led by Alma Hadžiskakić, Programme Associate for Family-Based Prevention, and Andrea Mijatović, Deputy Executive Director of the Addiction Prevention Competence Centre. Through interactive methods, they introduced participants to the programme concept, its structure, and implementation approach.

The programme’s results to date indicate significant positive changes in both parents and children.

What participants say about the training and the programme:

Doris Vlašić, MA in Psychology, MA in Pedagogy, Center for Social Work Čitluk:

Participation in the Strong Families Programme represents a particularly valuable experience for me. I am especially pleased about the opportunity to bring this important programme closer to young families in Brotnjo and to work together on building stronger, more connected, and supportive families. I believe that participation in the programme will provide many parents with new knowledge, encouragement, a sense of community, and practical tools to help them navigate the everyday challenges of raising children.

Antonija Novak, Director of the Center for Social Work Mostar:

I gladly accepted the invitation to this training, as I believe that every new model of working with families strengthens us within the Center and provides new approaches to addressing family situations. Three groups of four participants from the Center attended this training and will implement the programme. The training was very engaging—I appreciated the combination of workshop-based work and theory, as well as the practical examples that helped us understand how we will apply this in practice.

Anita Begić, Associate Professor at the University of Mostar, Department of Social Work, SPES Center for Children, Youth and Families:

The SPES organization works on the protection of children, youth, and families, and implements many preventive programmes in the local community in the city of Mostar. Therefore, I would like to use the knowledge and experience gained during this three-day training both in my work with students and in practical fieldwork. We often collaborate with religious organizations, family centers, and parish offices, which allows us to easily reach families where the programme can be implemented. The programme is very engaging, creative, and useful.

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The professionals participating in the training came from: Zenica – the Catholic School Centre “Saint Paul” and the NADA Citizens’ Association; Kiseljak – “Ivan Goran Kovačić” Secondary School; Kakanj – the Majlis of the Islamic Community of Kakanj, Marriage and Family Counselling Centre; Zavidovići – the Centre for Social Work; Maglaj – the Centre for Social Work; Lukavac – the Public Institution Primary School “Lukavac Grad”; and SOS Children’s Villages Sarajevo.

This Programme is important because there are numerous factors that may precede the development of addiction, with family relationships standing out as one of the most significant. In many cases, disrupted or low-quality relationships within the family represent a risk factor for the development of various forms of addictive behaviour. The first patterns of behaviour, values, and ways of coping with challenges are adopted within the family. If this environment does not provide a foundation for healthy child development and the formation of a personality capable of recognising and resisting pressures and adequately coping with life challenges, the risk of developing addiction later in life increases.

The Addiction Prevention Competence Centre has recognised high-quality family relationships as one of the key protective factors in addiction prevention. For this reason, the Strong Families Programme is implemented with the aim of improving family skills, empowering parents and guardians in their parenting role, and encouraging the development of positive and supportive interactions among family members.

The training for new implementers was led by Alma Hadžiskakić, Programme Officer for Family Prevention Programmes, and Andrea Mijatović, Deputy Executive Director of the Addiction Prevention Competence Centre. Through interactive working methods, they introduced participants to the programme concept, its structure, and implementation approach.

The results achieved so far indicate significant positive changes, both among parents and children.

Participants highlighted that the training took place in a relaxed and motivating atmosphere, characterised by a sense of a safe environment and strong group support. They particularly emphasised the value of the detailed guidelines and materials provided, which enable them to immediately begin implementing the programme in their local communities. Cooperation, exchange of experiences, and the active participation of the entire group further contributed to the quality of the training and strengthened participants for their future work.

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We invite families who wish to improve their parenting skills and support the healthy development of their children to register for participation in the Strong Families program.

The program is designed to support parents in managing everyday stress and strengthening family relationships. Through professionally guided activities, parents/guardians and children will have the opportunity to develop skills that contribute to better communication and understanding within the family.

The program is intended for families with elementary school-aged children, and it is possible to include more than one child from the same family.

You can find more information about the program here.

The Strong Families program will take place over a period of three weeks on the following dates:

1. Session for parents only: Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
2. Session for parents and children: Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:45 PM
3. Session for parents and children: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (includes a shared dinner for all participants)

The program will be held at KJU Porodično savjetovalište (Family Counseling Center), Bihaćka bb, Sarajevo 71000 (located behind the “Omer Maslić” Health Center).

If the listed dates do not suit you, feel free to register and we will contact you for the next group.

You can register via the link.

Registration is also possible by phone at 062 959 009 (SMS, Viber, WhatsApp – Alma Hadžiskakić).

The program is implemented with the support of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.

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The program is designed to support parents in managing everyday stress and strengthening family relationships. Through professionally guided activities, parents/guardians and children will have the opportunity to develop skills that foster better communication and understanding within the family. The program is intended for families with elementary school-aged children, and multiple children from the same family may participate.

More information about the program can be found here.

The Strong Families program will take place over the course of three weeks on the following dates:

1. Session for parents only: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
2. Session for parents and children: Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:45 PM
3. Session for parents and children: Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (includes a shared dinner for all participants)

The program will be held at the KJU Family Counseling Center, Bihaćka bb, Sarajevo 71000 (located behind the “Omer Maslić” Health Center).

If the proposed dates do not suit you, you may still apply, and we will contact you for the next group.

You can apply via the following link.

Application deadline: May 26, 2025

Applications are also accepted via phone at 062 959 009 (SMS, Viber, WhatsApp – Alma Hadžiskakić)

The program is implemented with the support of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.

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The family is the first and most important community where we learn values, develop emotional bonds, and build a sense of security and belonging. In a time when families are increasingly confronted with social, economic, and psychological pressures, investing in programs that provide support and empowerment opportunities is more important than ever.

Through the Strong Families program, the NARKO-NE Association actively contributes to creating a healthier and safer environment for children, parents, and the community as a whole. The program was developed to support families in strengthening their relationships, improving communication, and building trust, as well as recognizing and reducing risky behaviors. A special focus of the program is placed on prevention, based on the understanding that disrupted family relationships, lack of support, and poor communication within the family can be key risk factors for the development of various forms of addictive behaviors, especially among children and youth. For this reason, investing in the development of healthy, functional, and stable family relationships is not only a matter of individual well-being but also a vital foundation for preventing addiction and building more resilient communities.

Through this program, NARKO-NE aims to empower as many families in Bosnia and Herzegovina as possible. In addition to Sarajevo, the program is also implemented in Breza, Kakanj, Zenica, Maglaj, Kalesija, and Livno.

Through educational workshops, counseling support, and joint activities, the Strong Families program helps parents and children develop healthy family patterns, set clear boundaries, and build emotional connections that form the foundation of every healthy relationship. Every family has its own strengths and skills, and the program encourages families to recognize and use them when everyday challenges arise.

By observing the International Day of Families, we are reminded that strong and connected families are the foundation of a healthy society—and that is why healthy family relationships should be a priority for everyone.

The program is implemented with the support of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.

Anisa Čelik Raščić

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The goal of the conference was to present the results of the implementation of the evidence-based prevention program Strong Families, which the Association NARKO-NE has been implementing in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2020 in cooperation with partner organizations. Another aim was to bring together professionals from various institutions and organizations working with families in order to exchange experiences, discuss challenges and best practices, and provide mutual support.

At the beginning of the conference, Amir Hasanović, Executive Director of NARKO-NE, emphasized the vision of the Strong Families program: to empower families to support each other, build trust, develop healthy communication, and reduce the risks that threaten both children and parents.
Hasanović further pointed out that without sustainable and systemic support, especially from government institutions, it is difficult to make significant progress—particularly when it comes to the number of families the program seeks to include. He highlighted the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Policy as a positive example, which has supported the program since 2024. This support has enabled the inclusion of more families and expanded implementation to additional communities.

Alma Hadžiskakić, Program Associate for Family Prevention at NARKO-NE, shared insights from working in the field with families:
The focus of the program is to address the root causes underlying various problems in families, and to reduce the impact of risk factors. We aim to promote the development of positive attitudes among both children and parents. Over the years, working with parents and guardians, we have seen that one of the greatest challenges is teaching children what is right and guiding them accordingly. Every family has its strengths and skills, and we strive to help them recognize and use those strengths when everyday challenges arise.

A panel discussion featured representatives from Sarajevo’s Public Institution Family Counseling Center, the Social Welfare Center Kalesija, the Parents’ Network Association from Zenica, the Happy Child Association Tuzla, and the Multisectoral Team for the Prevention of and Fight Against Domestic Violence in the Municipality of Kiseljak. The discussion focused on both the challenges and opportunities in working with families. All panelists agreed that family issues are quite similar in both large and small communities—differences lie mainly in visibility. Common challenges faced by families include economic instability, mental health issues, weakened family values, and domestic violence.

The panel also highlighted an increase in the number of people seeking help from social welfare institutions, particularly for counseling and professional support services—social, educational, psychological, and legal—rather than for material assistance.

The Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE has recognized the importance of strong family relationships as a key protective factor in preventing risky behaviors. It continues to implement preventive interventions in the family environment, together with partners and collaborators who also share the vision that a healthy and stable family is the foundation of every society.

The conclusions from the conference will serve as a basis for developing and implementing sustainable models for working with families.

Azra Halilović

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Since 2020, the Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE has been implementing this program in Sarajevo Canton in cooperation with other partner institutions and organizations. At the same time, the Association has been training professionals from other communities and cities who work with children and families, in order to reach as many families as possible across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The program is also being implemented in Breza, Kakanj, Zenica, Maglaj, Tuzla, Kalesija, and Livno.

Training for new program facilitators was held in Sarajevo on May 6 and 7, 2025. A total of 19 participants took part, increasing our network to one hundred trained facilitators. They will continue implementing the program in their communities, empowering families to better cope with both family-related and everyday challenges and life difficulties.

The training was led by Alma Hadžiskakić, Program Associate for Family Prevention at NARKO-NE, and Andrea Mijatović, Deputy Executive Director of NARKO-NE. They shared their knowledge and introduced participants to the program and its implementation through various interactive methods.

Mia Komšić, a participant from the Kiseljak Social Welfare Service, emphasized how important continuous education in the field of family work is for her and her team:

I work with families to address violence, but that actually includes a lot. When we say violence, that includes juvenile delinquency and many other difficulties, so we work with families and individual family members. When we saw the promotional materials about the program and the training, we signed up right away because it’s very useful, interesting, and practical – everything we learn here can be applied in preventive practice.

The program is implemented according to clear standards and a manual developed by a UN agency (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime), which all facilitators receive as a guide for working with families. The program is scientifically proven to be effective in working with families, increasing the capacity of both parents/guardians and children to cope with stress, and contributing to the improvement of the mental health of all family members.

The NARKO-NE Association implements the Strong Families program with financial support from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.

Azra Halilović

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The Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE has recognized the importance of quality family relationships as a key protective factor in preventing addiction. This is why the association implements the Strong Families program, aimed at improving family skills, empowering parents/guardians to be more successful in their roles, and strengthening positive interactions among family members.

Training for new program facilitators was held in Sarajevo at the Austria & Bosnia Hotel from June 19 to 21, 2024. The training brought together professionals from various institutions working with children and families, providing participants with the opportunity to learn about the program and how to implement it. The training was led by Alma Hadžiskakić, a program prevention specialist at NARKO-NE, and Andrea Mijatović, Deputy Executive Director of NARKO-NE. They shared their knowledge and, through various methods, familiarized participants with the program and its implementation.

The main expectations of the participants were to learn new knowledge that they could apply in their future work. To find out if their expectations were met and their impressions after the training, we spoke with three participants:

This program is very important to us so that we know how to cope with everyday challenges and stress because we are already working on these topics. When we discussed how to find families to work with, it wasn’t difficult because this program is so needed; it just hadn’t been implemented before. We expect positive feedback from the families we work with. – Adna Žujo, Project Associate for Family Strengthening, SOS Children’s Villages BiH in Mostar.

I primarily put myself in the role of a mother because I am aware of the risks every community faces now, and I think this program is very important. I hope it will be useful to mothers in our local communities. – Velida Čelebić, Mualima, Medžlis Islamic Community of Kakanj.

What motivated me to apply for this training was the very name ‘Strong Families’ because we are all witnesses that we live in a time with many challenges and risks, and that it is actually the family that represents the foundation and strength for the future of all of us. Seeing all this, and the content of the program, we wanted to empower ourselves as individuals so that we can transfer that knowledge to our communities.– Almira Sarvan, President of the Parent Network Association in Zenica.

The program’s results so far have shown significant positive changes in both parents and children, with over 140 families having participated in the program in the Sarajevo Canton and the Municipality of Kakanj.

We are happy that 32 more people were trained during this session, who will be able to lead the program. This gives us hope that a greater number of families will be able to participate in the program, thereby contributing to a healthier and better environment for everyone.

Anisa Čelik Raščić

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Ako ste na oba pitanja sebi odgovorili potvrdno prijavite se za učešće u programu Snažne porodice, osnažite sebe i svoju djecu i unaprijedite mentalno zdravlja svih članova porodice.

Vrijednost programa Snažne porodice
Učešćem u programu Snažne porodice unapređujete porodične vještine i prevenirate rizične oblike ponašanja kod svoje djece.
Efekti ovog programa potvrđeni su provedenim studijama prije i poslije izvođenja programa u preko 30 zemalja svijeta. Do sada se preko 200 porodica na području Kantona Sarajevo osnažilo za lakše nošenje sa svakodnevnim stresom.

Struktura Programa Snažne porodice i termini sesija
Prva sedmica: Pripremna sesija za roditelje/staratelje (Razumijevanje snaga i stresova), 5. 6. 17:30 – 19:00h
Druga sedmica: Paralelne sesije za roditelje/staratelje i djecu i zajednička porodična sesija (Upotreba ljubavi i granica, Učenje o stresu, Učimo jedni o drugima),11. 6. 17:30 – 20:00h
Treća sedmica: Paralelne sesije za roditelje/staratelje i djecu i zajednička porodična sesija (Podučavati djecu šta je ispravno, Poštovanje pravila i zahvalnost roditeljima, Podrška vrijednostima i snovima), 25. 6. 17:30 – 20:00h

Učešće u programu
Učešće u programu podrazumijeva da roditelji/staratelji dođu s jednim ili više djece uzrasta od 8 do 15 godina na predviđene sesije. Sesija u prvoj sedmici traje sat vremena i namijenjena je za roditelje/staratelje, dok u drugoj i trećoj sedmici sesije traju po dva sata. Prvi sat vremena se održavaju paralelne odvojene sesije za djecu i sesije za roditelje/staratelje. Odmah nakon zasebnih sesija, počinje zajednička sesija za cijelu porodicu (spajaju se djeca i roditelji/staratelji). Program nudi mnogo igara i aktivnosti u kojima mogu uživati svi zajedno, i odrasli i djeca.

Za učešće u programu nije potrebna novčana participacija. Svi troškovi osvježenja i radnih materijala pokriveni su od strane organizatora.

Prijava za učešće u programu se ispunjava ovdje i traje kontinuirano, a prijave su moguće i na broj telefona: 062 959 009 (Alma Hadžiskakić). Mjesto održavanje je KJU Porodično savjetovalište, Bihaćka bb.

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Program coordinator Alma Hadžiskakić continuously contributes to the quality of program implementation, as evidenced by the parents who participated in the program:

Thank you to the leaders of the Strong Families program, especially to Alma, because after her advice, my children are growing stronger and more resilient. We learned to set clear boundaries for our children without feeling guilty, while the children feel safe and protected with us as parents. We talk more, understand each other much better, and our family priorities, which we set ourselves, are clear, and we know how to respect them. The children play more at home, developing their brains, as Alma says, and I happily and contentedly watch them. I used to think they were naughty, but now I know they are happy. – Parent

The program was implemented at Hašim Spahić Elementary School in Ilijaš in cooperation with the Sarajevo Islamic Community’s Medžlis. Additionally, in Kakanj, the program was carried out in cooperation with the Islamic Community’s Medžlis in their Marriage and Family Counseling Center.

Support for the program’s implementation was provided by the Ministry of Labor, Social Policy, Displaced Persons, and Refugees of Sarajevo Canton, as well as the Ministry of Education of Sarajevo Canton. Considering the number of trained social protection institution employees who have been empowered through the program for further work with families, the ministries consider the cooperation between relevant institutions working with families and NARKO-NE to be very significant in the effort to strengthen families.

In a conversation with program leaders from the Marriage and Family Counseling Center of the Kakanj Islamic Community, Fatima Talić emphasized that every family is unique and that the completed sessions help them strengthen their resources and strengths.

Zakir Ljubović highlighted that parents become more aware of their role even after the first session: They were eager to comment on each topic and share their life experiences. They were very interested in participating in the implementation of tasks.

This aspect of the program confirms the relevance of the topics covered, highlighting the need for active parental involvement in raising children.

Edina Sokolović Lazović from the Marriage and Family Counseling Center of the Sarajevo Islamic Community shares an inspiring experience of working in the Strong Families program. She emphasizes that the facilitators are the key to the program’s success and that participants, going through a journey from seriousness to relief, have proven that the program has a profound impact on family relationships.

The Strong Families program has achieved significant success, as evidenced by the large turnout of participants and their experiences. The program will continue in 2024 with new families.

Adin Buljubašić

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