European Initiative Calls for Enhanced Family Support Systems

Over three years, researchers from six leading universities and the organization COFACE Families Europe have identified critical shortcomings in existing policies. Their findings point to two main challenges: 

• Policies are often too rigid or narrow, failing to meet the actual needs of families throughout different life stages.
• Support for economically vulnerable families requires significant strengthening.To address these issues, the project has developed 15 concrete policy principles. These include the necessity of better income support, improved access to childcare, and comprehensive support services for families in vulnerable situations.

"Our findings show that family-centered policies are crucial for strengthening European families' resilience against socioeconomic challenges," says Rense Nieuwenhuis, associate professor at the Swedish Institute for Social Research (SOFI), Stockholm University, and joint coordinator of the project.

More information:

The rEUsillience website

rEUsillience in the SU research catalogue

Contact

Rense Nieuwenhuis, associate professor in sociology, Swedish Institute for Social Research (SOFI), rense.nieuwenhuis@sofi.su.se.

What is family resilience?

Family resilience refers to a family's ability to cope with and recover from stress, strain, and challenges. A resilient family has resources and strategies to manage both economic and social hardships and can adapt to changes and crises. Effective social policies can enhance family resilience through prevention, and by providing essential resources and support.