Direct Family Empowerment (DFE) is an approach focused on families in situations of vulnerability whose children are at risk of losing parental care. DFE operates at the household level as a secondary prevention approach designed for families already facing significant challenges, such as extreme poverty, instability, or educational and social difficulties.

Each family receives individualised support through a structured case management process. A social worker works closely with the family to develop a tailored family development plan that responds to their specific needs.

Concrete actions to strengthen families

Depending on the situation, support may include:

• Temporary financial assistance
• Start-up kits for income-generating activities
• Parenting training
• Individual educational support for children
• Integration into programme-supported family groups

Objective: Sustainable self-reliance

DFE serves as an immediate safety net with the ultimate goal of building sustainable self-reliance, enabling families to protect, educate, and care for their children independently over the long term.