THE ROLE OF SUPPORT GROUPS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS IN THE SOCIAL WORK WITH FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

Abstract

In today's society, a person's ability to interact with society plays an important role - it depends on the social skills of each individual. This study reviews and cites several studies in Latvia and abroad, which indicate that families with children who lack knowledge and skills in raising children need to be educated, with special emphasis on the need to provide support as early as possible (early intervention) in order to prevent a significant lack of social skills in children in the future. The aim of this study is to investigate the social skills deficits of preschool children observed by social workers working with families with children, as well as the role and need for social skills support group activities in social work with families with children, by surveying social services in Latvian municipalities about the benefits of this social work method. The research uses theoretical and empirical research methods (structured questionnaire), data processing and analysis methods. The study concludes with findings on the causes of social skills gaps in families with children and the important role of support groups in social work with families with children in Latvia as an additional tool for social workers to help families with children integrate into society and develop these missing social skills.