Skills of trainers in the Family Competence Program, an evidence-based program of family life education

Abstract

Family life education programs work with skills in parenting, communication, relationships and organization to promote positive family change. These are programs in which the role of facilitators is key to engage and motivate families in learning processes. In the current article, the characteristics of the trainers are studied, in order to identify the factors of success of their work in the implementations. Interviews and focus groups have been undertaken with several facilitators of the Family Competence Program, an experience of socio-educational work with families. Results underpin the importance of specific skills with parents and with children, the role of experience and the relevance of communication and group management skills. Main conclusions highlight that facilitators, after their participation in the programme, consider improving their training and they underscore the positive effect of team-working.