Twelve specialists from the Family type placement centers for children and youngsters with disabilities from three districts – Plovdiv, Yambol and Kardzhali in the period of 18 – 20 September, shared and exchanged their experience on specific cases and plunged into the IMPACT program. The trainers Boryana Klimentova – Program Director of Hope and homes for children – Bulgaria and Kremena Stoyanova – National Coordinator of Hope and homes for children – Bulgaria presented the basis of the IMPACT program and the direct work to overcome the challenging behavior in children and young people with disabilities. During the three-day training in Plovdiv combined with a theoretical part and interaction, the topics related to the consequences of institutionalization, why love matters and is extremely important were discussed. They were presented in specific cases where the trainees worked with the two key tools of Functional Analysis – The ABC Chronology and Motivation Assessment Scale of Durand in order to overcome the challenging behavior in children and adolescents accommodated in the Family type placement centers as well as how to replace this type of behavior with an acceptable one. Serious part of the discussions was also dedicated to debate control or support in working with children and youth in the Centers, as well as the importance of the environment and the structuring of everyday life. The participants had the opportunity to ask questions and to offer their own case studies as well as to see the other point of view. The trainees expressed their satisfaction with the training, the themes and the opportunity to share their difficulties, challenges and successes.
