Keðjan supported about 1,000 parents and children last year
About 1,000 parents and children in Reykjavík benefited from Keðjan's services last year. The organization helps families in the city navigate various challenges related to children's well-being, communication, and parenting. Keðjan works closely with specialists at Reykjavík City centers and Child Protection Services to assess families' support needs.
New initiative improves access to services
Keðjan's work has grown steadily, offering diverse courses and treatment options year-round. The City has increased its focus on early support, with "solution teams" now in all schools to assess children's situations and find ways to support them. These teams have improved parents' access to Keðjan's services. Collaboration on cases involving children has become more comprehensive, and information about available courses is more accessible to both parents and professionals at city centers and child protection services.
Diverse courses strengthen children and their families
One of the largest courses provides education and training to support parents of children who struggle with emotional difficulties. Last year, 133 parents of 82 children attended this course. The course Cool Kids (Klókir litlir krakkar) was also offered, designed specifically for parents of children ages 3-5 who experience shyness or anxiety. The course was well attended, with 64 parents of 39 children participating.
Peers courses, which focus on building social skills for children and young people at middle and high school levels, also saw high attendance. Both parents and children attend to strengthen communication skills and receive social training. Last year, 84 parents of 46 children participated in Peers. To reach an even more diverse group, the city is exploring whether the course can also be offered in English.
"I am much more aware than before of how I, as a parent, can help my child communicate more effectively."
The Cooperation after Divorce course, which emphasizes a family-centered approach to difficult post-divorce communication, served 24 children and parents. While such courses are usually offered online, this one was tailored to situations where communication difficulties have been significant and required focused guidance.
PMTO treatment, a specialized method for children with adjustment and behavioral problems, was offered as both individual and group therapy. In total, 55 children and their families received individual treatment and 29 families participated in group therapy. Additionally, nearly 200 parents attended PMTO parenting courses, designed for cases where problems are milder but still require support and education.
"The course made a huge difference. Our routines now run smoothly, my child feels much better, and our communication is calmer."
About 30 parents attended the SPHARE course, designed to support families from refugee backgrounds as they adjust to life in a new country, build confidence and understanding of the education and welfare system, and strengthen family bonds.
Coordinated effort key to promoting children's prosperity
The Children's Prosperity Week is now underway in the capital region, with participation from the municipalities of Kópavogur, Reykjavík, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær, Seltjarnarnes, and Kjós, along with the Primary Health Care of the Capital Region, the Capital Region Police, secondary schools, and sports clubs.
The week's goal is to emphasize the importance of coordinated efforts among everyone who works with children and young people, and to highlight the positive developments seen since the well-being laws took effect. The laws represent a new approach that puts the child first, ensuring that services and support are integrated across all systems.