CAFAP INTERVENTION: OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE IN FAMILIES' LIVES? A PORTUGUESE CASE STUDY

Abstract

In Portugal there are numerous social responses aimed at the area of childhood and youth, among which is the CAFAP (Family Support and Parental Counseling Center), which is the object of study in this investigation.  The main objectives of this investigation are: Identify the causes that led to families being referred to CAFAP intervention; Identify the Competent Entities that forward/refer situations to CAFAP; Know and describe the intervention carried out by CAFAP throughout the monitoring process; Identify the potential and constraints of the intervention carried out by CAFAP.  The selected methodology is qualitative, exploratory in nature and we use the Case Study. The sample is non-probabilistic and convenience, consisting of three senior technicians who work in a CAFAP and three families. The assessment instrument used was the semi-structured interview. We concluded that divorce/separation, combined with a high degree of conflict, appears to be one of the main causes of signaling for CAFAP. From the perspective of the technical team, the lack of limits and rules imposed on children is also a reality present in the families they support. The intervention carried out by CAFAP is considered useful, while it constitutes an opportunity in the process of change.