Continuing the efforts of the project to improve the mental health of children and adolescents in 17 residential centers in the West Bank, the team of the Guidance and Training Center for the Child and Family – Bethlehem organized two training days on October 15-16, 2025, at the Saint Elias Hotel – Beit Sahour. The event saw participation from male and female staff of the Ministry of Social Development in Bethlehem, as well as representatives from care homes. During the first day, participants showcased their creativity in the Expressive Metaphor activity, where each team symbolically expressed the essence and mission of their institution. This was followed by discussions on the initial assessment tool form for children and adolescents in orphanages/alternative care in the West Bank (the prototype for intake/first two weeks) and the comprehensive assessment form for children and adolescents in orphanages in Bethlehem and the West Bank (a specialized form after one and a half to three months of placement). This was done through group work, discussing, and reviewing the forms. On the second day, the activities focused on an Art and Music Therapy session, followed by continued discussions on the assessment tools for children and adolescents. The aim was to produce a more accurate and contextually appropriate version for the Palestinian context, encompassing psychological, emotional, academic, behavioral, and social aspects. This ensures the development of comprehensive and effective care plans for each child, with all participants emphasizing the importance of collaborative work to guarantee the sustainability of care and achieve quality services for children and adolescents.
We thank all participants from the care homes and the Ministry of Social Development, as well as all psychological and social specialists for their efforts in enhancing psychosocial care for children and adolescents.
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Directorate of Social Development,Bethlehem Governorate
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