Schools:

In 2007, CIF embarked on a pilot project in several large, urban schools of the city of Quito.  Through the elementary to high school level grades, a curriculum was developed and implemented in an effort to reduce and prevent violence and bullying in the school population.  We will be assisting CIF in the process of evaluating the effectiveness of these interventions in a manner that will inform the development of similar projects in other urban, under-resourced school communities.

 Institutions:

ICFamWell is exploring practical assistance to CIF and its affiliate programs as they embark on training and resource development for "La Dolorosa".  In 2007, representatives from ICFamWell  met with director and visionary Father Lopez to evaluate the needs of this ambitious project providing “compassionate care” to incarcerated youth. We have begun to link resources for this important project and will provide resource support as needs are identified.

In 2008, additional projects were identified and will continue to be implemented into 2009 to address the family relationship needs of women being released from incarceration.  Spanish language materials are being provided to key staff who are learning to run re-entry groups for these women who are being reunited with family members after incarceration. 

 Academia:

ICFamWell developed and implemented a 2-year research curriculum for the clinical programs of the major universities in Ecuador to promote the value of qualitative/action research for students in the Maestro Terapia Familiar programs.  Ongoing research support is being provided to students completing practice research of their innovative work with families. Additional support is being provided to students focusing on underserved, under-represented and indigenous populations of Ecuador and surrounding regions.

ICFamWell and CIF collaborated on a compilation of research teaching materials, translated for distribution to students throughout the university system.  The donation of these materials and related forums have significantly reduced the overall costs of training for university students and paraprofessionals engaged in Family Therapy training.

Best Practices/Staff Development

After several years of conducting on-site group supervision as well as ongoing internet-based case consultation  ICfamWell has created a clinical supervision training curriculum which will be implemented in the beginning of 2009. 

In Our Local Community

Volunteers of ICFamWell have met with  community organizers and program directors who are serving Latino families impacted by various forms of displacement due to immigration.  We will be providing pro-bono seminars and ongoing case consultation and support for key staff relating to topics of family wellness beginning in the early months of 2009.

   Providing these services free-of-charge allows programs to more effectively assist individuals and families in their care.