Moldova Knowledge and skills in supervision

Project : Moldova 9 Jun 2011 | professional supervision

May 16-18, 2011, Chisinau, Moldova: In cooperation with the Association of Supervisors from Romania and experts from the West University from Timisoara, Romania Moldova organised a workshop on the theory and practice of professional supervision in social work with children. 16 participants had the chance to discuss and examine their current supervision experiences, including principles, techniques and methods of supervision in child protection.

As Liliana Astrahan, Case Management officer of the CPSN project of Tdh explains “the process of supervision was approved by the Ministry of Labour, Social Protection and Family in 2009. It was a big progress and a practical guide of professional supervision in social work was elaborated. Tdh contributes to the strengthening of professional skills in supervision by training and providing support in this process.”

The two Romanian experts, Ana Muntean, professor at the Social Work Department at the West University of Timisoara and Vice-President of the Association of Supervisors from Romania and Violeta Stan, lecturer at the Medical School in Timisoara and researcher at the Center for Parent-Child Interactions (CICOP) at the West University of Timisoara combined theory with practical exercises so that participants learn how to use their theoretical knowledge in practical situations that are extremely diverse.

As Ana Muntean explains the “main purpose of the training is the promotion of supervision in social work in Moldova. Supervision is a newly created service and requires appropriate services designed to enhance the quality of the services for children and families. She added that in Romania supervision – although mentioned in secondary legislation – is not yet put into practice. It is a big advantage that in Moldova there are already appointed people – although their training remains to be done.

When asked about the results of the training Professor Muntean says she has noticed a change in people: “There were many participants who have said they felt the need to be supervised in their work, while one of them even felt a need for personal psychotherapy, accepting the idea that certain weaknesses stop them from providing adequate supervision.”

The first training will be followed by two other sessions in June and September, with the continued cooperation of the Association of Supervisors from Romania. The long-term goal is to have successful and knowledgeable supervisors who have a profound respect for children and families while being confident that things can improve for them, said Professor Muntean. (AD)