A multidisciplinary support network for children in vulnerable situations

150 at a workshop about children

„Children are the future, but they are also the present. They are here and now, and they need us today,“ said Valdimar Víðisson, the mayor, as he opened a workshop in Kaplakriki today, attended by 150 people working on the journey of children in Hafnarfjörður.

Representatives of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, the Metropolitan County Sheriff, the Metropolitan Public Health Service, The City of Hafnarfjörður and the upper secondary schools in Hafnarfjörður today signed a declaration of cooperation to work together to promote the well-being of children in a vulnerable position in Hafnarfjörður and to reduce the likelihood of repeated violence.

It takes a whole village to raise a child

The mayor said at the start of the workshop that a child's success is not guaranteed by a single organisation, but by people who talk to each other, share information and intervene early.

„It takes a whole village to raise a child and here in Hafnarfjörður, we are going to ensure that our village is cohesive, vigilant, and a beacon of warmth and safety,“ he said. „We know that vulnerable children are those who have experienced violence or neglect, or are in situations where they need the support of us all. It is our duty to respond.“

Over the past few months, work has been carried out to develop procedures and consultation. „This isn't just paperwork; it's the foundation for genuine collaboration that can save a child and change their life for the better.“

Act early

Halla Bergþóra Björnsdóttir, the Chief Constable of the Capital Region, signed the declaration on behalf of the office: „Cooperation is everything for children in a vulnerable position so that matters are resolved in the most successful way,“ she says. It is important to address issues early and to have short lines of communication.

Valdimar emphasised that the declaration of cooperation is not a formality, but a promise. „A promise that we are going to listen, learn from each other and create a platform where no one falls through the cracks.“ The declaration of cooperation is a sign that welfare will be monitored and that services will be ensured to be continuous and integrated. „This means that no one should be left to stand alone. Not a child, not a family, and not a member of staff who wants to do the right thing but doesn't know where to turn.“

Best when working closely together

Stella Björg Kristinsdóttir, Manager of Leisure Activities and Prevention for the City of Hafnarfjörður, says workshops like these are important for strengthening the ranks so that the support network for children in vulnerable situations is solid and strong. Contact lists have been compiled and the procedure mapped out.

„This day gives us an opportunity to listen to everyone who works with children and see if we can do even better. We want to be a community that supports children in vulnerable situations, and we do this best when we work closely together,“ says Stella.