Building on the findings of the research presented in the publication on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), which highlights the importance of strengthening professional capacities and intersectoral collaboration—particularly in crisis contexts—a specialised training programme was developed to address the needs of children and young people.
At a time when children and young people are increasingly exposed to various forms of crisis, timely, professional, and developmentally sensitive support becomes one of the key protective factors for their mental health, sense of safety, and overall development.
Through the training “Supporting Children and Young People During and After Crisis,” professionals from the health, education, and social protection sectors were further strengthened to recognise, understand, and respond appropriately to the needs of children and young people—together contributing to the development of a system that sees, hears, and protects every child.
The Strength of Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Experience has once again confirmed that no single sector can act effectively in isolation.
Quality support emerges where there is connection, shared understanding, and coordination among professionals.
Together, we are building a system in which:
- no child is left alone
- responses are timely and coordinated
- support is continuous and safe
What Did We Learn?
During the training, participants developed key competencies, including:
- recognising crisis reactions in children and young people
- providing safe, ethical, and developmentally appropriate support
- acting in a coordinated manner within systems of care
- safeguarding the best interests and wellbeing of the child
Together Across Bosnia and Herzegovina
A total of 166 professionals from across Bosnia and Herzegovina, representing the social protection, health, and education sectors, successfully completed the training—marking an important step towards strengthening the capacity of the support system.
Each participant is an agent of change—within their institution, their community, and their daily work with children and young people.
Voices from Participants
“I now feel more confident in responding to crisis situations—the steps are clear and meaningful.”
“Psychological First Aid and the practical tools are immediately applicable in my work.”
“It was most important for me to understand when a reaction requires additional intervention.”
“Supervision helped me connect theory with real-life situations.”
Together for Every Child
A special contribution to the implementation of the training was made by Prof. Gordana Buljan Flander, together with the national team of experts, whose knowledge, experience, and dedication ensured both the quality and practical applicability of the programme.
The programme was developed and implemented in collaboration with relevant ministries, institutions, and partners, in line with international guidelines and best practices in the field of child and youth mental health.
