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Family Education as a Preventive Strategy: Lessons from North Macedonia

  • Apr 20, 2026
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Abstract Book of the 12th International Academic Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences

Year: 2026

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Family Education as a Preventive Strategy: Lessons from North Macedonia

Makedonka Radulovic, Angelka Keskinova, Irena Avirovic Bundalevska, Stefan Vasev, Elena Chekova, Ivana Gegoska, Alenka Binicki Arsenovski, Dushanka Petrova, Nevena Petrovska

ABSTRACT:

This paper examines the role of family education as a preventive strategy in North Macedonia, based on qualitative research conducted through five focus groups with a total of 30 participants. The sample included psychologists, pedagogues, social workers, and lawyers, all members of interdisciplinary teams working directly with families. Findings reveal strong professional consensus that family education enhances parental capacities and contributes to child well-being; however, current practice remains predominantly reactive, with families typically entering the system only after conflicts escalate. Voluntary participation emerged as a key factor supporting motivation and cooperation, whereas families referred by institutions often demonstrated resistance and limited engagement. Participants highlighted systemic challenges such as insufficient preventive services, fragmented inter-institutional collaboration, overwhelming caseloads, and widespread professional burnout. Children were frequently identified as secondary victims of chronic parental conflict, underscoring the need for early, structured, and continuous educational programs. The study concludes that family education should be institutionalized as a universal and mandatory service integrated into schools, pre-marital preparation, and parental support programs. Strengthening prevention, investing in human resources, and supporting professionals are essential for building a sustainable system aligned with regional and international recommendations.

Keywords: Family Education; Prevention; Family; Parental Conflict; Social Work