VOL Between Two Worlds: a new transferable support programme for children in children’s homes

As of 1 January 2026, we are implementing the project VOL Between Two Worlds (1 January 2026 – 31 December 2027). The project focuses on children living in children’s homes whose parents are serving a prison sentence. Its purpose is to introduce a new transferable programme that responds to the specific needs of these children and can be used in other facilities and regions as well.

The project is based on the need for a systematic, professionally grounded approach to working with children in this life situation, and on the need to strengthen cooperation between institutions involved in supporting them – in particular children’s homes, social services, child protection authorities and prisons.

What the project will bring

• the introduction of a new transferable programme for children in children’s homes with a parent in prison, pilot-tested in practice,

• a programme methodology that will allow its use in other facilities and services,

• professional support and training for staff in children’s homes, social workers and other professionals involved,

• better connection of stakeholders and the set-up of multidisciplinary cooperation between institutions involved in supporting children,

• the involvement of peer consultants with lived experience as part of the support programme.

How we will proceed

During the implementation of the project, the new programme will be created, pilot-tested and continuously evaluated. The implementation will include the development of multidisciplinary cooperation, working meetings and workshops of the actors involved, and systematic evaluation of the programme’s benefits with the aim of ensuring its transferability and practical use in other settings.

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The project VOL Between Two Worlds (Reg. No. CZ.03.02.02/00/24_077/0005465) is implemented through the Employment Plus Operational Programme and co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus and the state budget of the Czech Republic. The project is co-funded by the European Union.