Author: E. Baloch-Kaloianov

Publisher: IOS Press

Published: 2009-08-25

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13: 1607504499

In this publication the necessity of activation and building local resources needed for recovery and development is highlighted at the level of individuals, social systems and structures, social networks, civil society and at the level of the community in general. This combined approach is a solid basis for the efficiency and effectiveness of programs and assures sustainability of outcomes. Mental health and psychosocial functioning of the population in post-conflict times are of crucial importance for the individual and community recovery and development of social capital and for the social and political stability. That is an important reason why mental health and psychosocial programs financed by foreign donors are run in areas affected by war. The bulk of psychosocial activities are aimed at helping people overcome experienced traumas and losses and to cope with post-conflict difficult circumstances. Programs aiming to strengthen the mental health and psychosocial functioning of the population are typically directed towards the groups that are either more easy to access through the school system, such as children and youth, or to severely affected and vulnerable groups, such as veterans, survivors of torture and family losses. Additional reasons for targeting the children and youth are that their developmental stage makes them particularly receptive for positive (and negative) influences; they are the future of every society. This publication will contribute to reducing the gap between declared principles of local capacity building and mobilization of local resources and the reality of psychosocial interventions and consequently to a more efficient use of international funds.