On May 8, 2025, in Sarajevo, the Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE held a conference titled Prevention in the Family Environment – A Path Toward a Healthier Bosnian-Herzegovinian Society.
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
