Whenever there is a Parent experiencing difficulties, there is an increased risk of problems for children almost sure to follow. The loss of income, substance abuse, catastrophic illness, divorce, incarceration, etc., can cause disruptions in the quality of life for most families. The odds for tipping the scales out of balance for fragile and at-risk families are even greater.

Whether problems leads to poverty, abuse or neglect, research clearly shows the best chance a child has of avoiding these problems is to grow up with a loving and caring Parent(s)/Caregivers. Such children are more likely to have better physical health, stay out of trouble, have higher educational aspirations, and remain socially-emotionally healthy and promising adulthood.

It is therefore through the urgent adoption of the Family Support Strategy, that will avert the eminent catastrophe children and families in difficult circumstances are facing and hence prevent the painful, costly and often lifetime social problems for children.

Family Support Programmes that targets supporting, improving skills and confidence of parents/caregivers, strengthens the relationship between the parents and their children. Empowered and confident Parents are better placed to sustain and cope with life's challenges and hence create a more stable and safe environment for children.

Family Forum Uganda is convinced and emphasizes the fact that children can only do well when Parents needs are met and parents and families will do better with supportive communities around them.

As policy makers donors and planners we must also always keep in mind that any form of instability on a parent greatly impacts social service organizations, communities and government in myriad ways at great cost both economically and socially.

The effecting of Family Support strategies is an opportunity available to troubled communities, families, parents, before children begin to falter and serves as dosage of prevention to help temper demand for more costly interventions later. 'An ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure'.

Thank you.

Msgr. Thomas Kisembo

Chairman Board of Trustees