SERFAC:
SERVICE
AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE ON FAMILY AND CHILDREN (SERFAC)
was inaugurated at the First World Congress “Family and Culture” on November 1,
1986 in Chennai, India. SERFAC was established by Dr. Sr. Catherine Bernard a
physician, and collaborators from diverse professional backgrounds from India
and the world. The entire team is committed to the well being of families:
moral, spiritual, institutional and technological crises brought on by globalization
that affects families, children, communities, nations and the global society.
Operative
Methods and Action:
SERFAC offers a platform of ‘Hope and Possibility’ to
parents, care-givers, policy makers and professionals that there are positive
and constructive alternatives to the increasing episodes of violence experienced
in society. Violence is institutionalized in nations and the world community most
of which originate from experiences of family violence and breakdown.
Therefore minimizing violence starts in the family with
focus on couples especially young couples through programmes: pre-marriage
guidance some of which focus on young adults and teenagers through educational sessions
such as on human sexuality, relationships identity etc. and for children by
educating parents in responsible parenthood.
SERFAC’s programmes are pre-emptive and pro-active i.e.
focuses on the strengths and positive rather than the problem and the
consequences eg. understanding the cause of child abuse and how it emotionally
destroys the child as a person. Consequently why a healthy family environment
is important to prevent child or domestic abuse/violence. This is done through seminars
and training programmes is educating parents on the importance of child protection is. It also explains to parents and
elders where to begin and direction to move so as to offer children of
different ages ‘safe place’ for their development.
What is explained above is one such programme. SERFAC
similarly does this in all its programmes. Build on the strengths for it
believes that building on strengths empowers people and families and
consequently minimizes violence and other related problems.
Summary
of this approach is as follows:
1. Family formation, nurturance and
socialization
a. Support
of family values, preservation and protection of culture
b. Family
Life Education and education for living.
c. Pre-marriage
Guidance (available online also)
2. Family functioning: care and
protection
a. Interpersonal
communication and guidance for marriage
b. The
gift of children- Birth regulation and natural family planning
c. Family
and career- Distinct roles and financial management.
3. Family resilience and spirituality
a. Family
stress, trauma and bereavement
b. Stressors
and pressures against family life.
c. Family,
society and globalization
4. Family support and enrichment
a. Giving
children a voice
b. Listening
c. Single
parenting
d. Nurturing
family and intervention
For further details Contact:
Dr.
Catherine Bernard
Director
SERFAC
1/157,
Manimangalam Road, Varadarajapuram
Chennai-600048
Tel:
44-64625913, 44-65150118
