Family Education as a Preventive Strategy

Lessons from North Macedonia

Abstract

This study explores the need for family education in North Macedonia through qualitative analysis of focus groups with professionals from social work centers and child protection institutions. Findings reveal a consistent recognition of family education as a vital preventive tool for strengthening parental capacities and safeguarding child well-being. However, practice remains dominated by reactive, crisis-oriented interventions, with families often entering the system only after conflicts have escalated. Professionals emphasized that voluntary participation fosters motivation and collaboration, while institutionally referred families frequently show resistance and minimal engagement. Across all institutions, systemic weaknesses were identified: insufficient prevention, fragmented inter-institutional cooperation, overwhelming caseloads, and widespread professional burnout. Children were highlighted as secondary victims of chronic parental conflict, underscoring the urgent need for early, structured educational programs. The study concludes that family education must be institutionalized as a universal, continuous, 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 that protects families and promotes child development. These findings align with regional and international recommendations, situating North Macedonia within broader Southeast European challenges of reactive social protection systems.