Society for All

CTK and Novinky.cz report on the new online course of SOFA

A new e-learning course focused on supporting children with trauma is designed to help teachers and other professionals who work with children in more than just school settings. It is free to complete.

3 December 2023

Schools are at risk of losing another half a billion

Lenka Felcmanová, the organization's chair, summarized SOFA's concerns about the proposed budget cuts following the school strike.

3 December 2023

Trauma-informed approach to children can be learned, the course is now available online and free for all

The comprehensive e-learning responds to the situation in Czech schools, which are increasingly looking for ways to work with children with trauma and strengthen their resilience.

30 November 2023

The stress for ninth graders from choosing a new high school? How can parents or teachers help them?

In today's Breakfast on TV Nova, Helena Opletalová, a therapist, expert in children's mental health and lecturer at the SOFA Academy, spoke about this topic.

29 November 2023

Helping parents at government offices, with the provision of school supplies, or with afternoon clubs for their children?

These are exactly the tasks for the position of a case manager, which we have successfully tested in the Signals project. Reporter Dominika Zelenková covered the topic in Televizní noviny.

29 November 2023

Regional Interdisciplinary Platform Coordinator (Brno-Central)

In the South Moravia region - Brno-Central, we are looking for new staff.

28 November 2023

Case Manager (Brno-Central)

In the South Moravia region - Brno-Central, we are looking for new staff.

28 November 2023

Interview with the principal of an elementary school in the Děčín region about the implementation of PBIS on EDUzin.cz

What does the term "challenging behaviour" mean to him? Why does he care about behavior in the school hallways? And is the implementation of PBIS at the school even worth it?

22 November 2023

Call for effective protection of children from sexual violence

The preparation of European legislation to detect sexual violence against children in the online space is not going in the right direction. We explain our position and that of our partners.

20 November 2023

Lenka Felcmanová on CNN Prima News on the protection of children online

The topic was the subject of a report on the main Sunday evening news on CNN Prima News 19. 11. 2023 at 18:55. It starts at 26:15.

20 November 2023

How to create a positive school climate? The successful conference provided answers

In the premises of Prague's Old Town Hall, we hosted an international conference "How to create a positive climate at school." The important topic of promoting wellbeing in schools attracted the attention of teachers, school founders and social workers.

16 November 2023

6 questions for criminalist plk. Mgr. Jaroslav Hrabálek

Why do we need better protection for children online? And what can digital footprints of criminals be used for?

14 November 2023

Marketing Leader

We are looking for a marketing team leader.

10 November 2023

The fight against child sexual abuse on iDNES.cz

Criminologist Jaroslav Hrabálek and SOFA leader Lenka Felcmanová, among others, are fighting for better protection of children online.

3 November 2023

The parameterization of assistants at schools on Televizní noviny

The report on the upcoming amendment to the Educational Act starts at 04:16, including the interview of the SOFA leader, Lenka Felcmanová.

30 October 2023

Will the number of assistants at schools change?

Lenka Felmanová, the leader of SOFA, summarized for iDNES.cz the possible concerns about the impact of the upcoming amendment to the Education Act on the daily practice of schools.

29 October 2023

November SOFA Academy courses and trainings

We have prepared a number of interesting courses and trainings for you this autumn, where you will learn, among other things, how to manage a classroom team well and why classroom rules are important, what to do if you suspect that children are self-harming, what your competences are as a teacher and how to talk about this topic with your class.

28 October 2023

No more corporal punishment for children?

Lenka Hečková, manager of the SOFA advocacy team, commented for Denik on the proposal of the Ministry of Justice on the unacceptability of corporal punishment of children.

28 October 2023

A Case Manager's Day on Czech TV News

Czech Television news reporter Petra Musilová filmed the work of social worker Kamila Michálková in Chanov in Most.

24 October 2023

How case management works in practice

A real story of a family whom a case manager helped to solve a difficult life situation. Read what help the family received. Did the family's situation really improve?

19 October 2023

We need better protection for children from online sexual violence

We explain why it is important to have uniform legal rules across the EU to help detect sexual violence against children.

17 October 2023

We invite you to an international conference on How to create a positive school climate

The conference will present specific tips and recommendations based on the best foreign and domestic practices. Foreign experts will include Tosha Owens (USA), Anne Karhu (Finland) and Christin Weiss (Norway).

10 October 2023

World Mental Health Day in Sama doma

Experts from Mental Health Teams talked about care and prevention in schools in a program on Czech Television.

10 October 2023

The SOFA prevention program teaches teens how to recognize healthy relationships

Around 200 trainers and lecturers have been trained this year in the programme Close Relationships Without Violence, which is aimed at teenagers. The organizations SOFA, Alternative to Violence and the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic cooperate in the dissemination of the programme.

3 October 2023

Are classroom assistants necessary?

Live broadcast from Lenka Hečková, SOFA’s Advocacy Team Manager, on the importance of pedagogical assistance on Czech TV.

27 September 2023

Is it possible to create a system of quality education for all?

Lenka Felcmanová, president and co-founder of SOFA, spoke about inclusive education, well-being and the need for social workers in schools in the Dobro Skladem podcast.

26 September 2023

October SOFA Academy courses and trainings

This autumn we have prepared a series of interesting courses and trainings in which you will learn, among other things, what the signs of mental illness are, how to react if a child talks about suicide or what warning signs we should look out for in connection with mental discomfort in children and adolescents. We have also prepared a webinar on eating disorders in adolescents for parents as well as educators and other professionals working with children. Learn about the causes, diagnosis and comprehensive approach to treatment. Be sure to register early, spots are filling up fast.

25 September 2023

Games and activities to promote a good classroom climate and strengthen classroom relationships

The beginning of the school year brings many challenges, not only for teachers but also for pupils. We offer you activities that you can use with your pupils not only at the beginning of the year, but also during the year to bring the team together and foster a safe classroom environment.

14 September 2023

Don't take assistants out of schools, urge teachers and other experts

Joint press release on the #NoSchoolAssistants initiative. We highlight the shortcomings of the proposed changes for the funding of teaching assistants.

14 September 2023

SOFA celebrates success in Ústí nad Labem with a project to support children at risk

Press release on the expansion of the Signals project to other regions. The first interdisciplinary conference was held in Ústí nad Labem.

13 September 2023

Conference on Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Mental Health Care

You are cordially invited to a conference on Interprofessional Collaboration in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS). The conference on MHPSS in Practice will focus on specific aspects of interdisciplinary collaboration, examples from practice and the sharing of best practices to build on and integrate efforts across sectors in the Czech Republic. The result should be increased awareness, reduced stigma, timely provision of care and promotion of mental health and the psychosocial wellbeing of children and their families.

29 August 2023

Support for education dropped from the National Recovery Plan

At yesterday's cabinet meeting, it was decided that not a single crown will be spent from the original 42 billion which was supposed to be used for necessary investments and reforms in education.

24 August 2023

A Conference that presents the experiences from the city of Most's practice in helping children at risk

We invite you to the conference on Early Intervention Tools in Supporting Children at Risk and Effective Interdisciplinary Collaboration. The conference will present the experiences of the Most practice in helping children at risk through the Signals project.

23 August 2023

Let's not take assistants away from children who need them

The proposal to change the rules for the assignment of teaching assistants should be changed. There is a risk that children who need teaching assistants will lose them, Lenka Felcmanová warns on Czech Radio.

20 July 2023

Social services lack money from European funds. The money is still "in concrete" because of the government

SOFA supports the For Housing initiative in an effort to ensure sufficient money for social services. Currently there is a threat of cuts. Read more in the press release.

20 July 2023

No one learns anything if you just repeat what they're doing wrong

SOFA Chair Lenka Felcmanová spoke about equal opportunities in education or the Positive Behavioral Intervention System (PBIS) in an interview for Reporter magazine.

19 July 2023

Year end report cards are around the corner. How to talk about it with your child?

Marks are not everything. It's important to appreciate children for their year-long efforts, says Lenka Felcmanová in the podcast from the website Maminka.

27 June 2023

E-learning and KID cards were presented on Czech TV

Lenka Felcmanová, the chairwoman of SOFA, in an interview for ČT introduced the e-learning How to recognize a child in danger? and KID cards.

21 June 2023

How to prepare for the report card as a parent?

The end of the school year can sometimes be challenging for both children and us adults. How can we prepare for "D-Day" and support our own and our children's mental well-being? Why is it important to think through your first reaction or what to do if you are stressed and don't want to pass on your upset to your child? We asked Anna Kubíčková, the lead PBIS expert, about this. We wish you a pleasant reading.

19 June 2023

Formative assessment for children with special educational needs

Assessment, whether summative (grade, word, symbol) or formative, is a tool we use to help children achieve their learning goals and develop their knowledge, skills and competences. Each assessment is primarily feedback, information for the child. Secondarily, it is also a message to teachers and parents about the child's needs and their ability to adjust their interventions. The topic of assessment was discussed by Lenka Hečková, the manager of the SOFA advocacy team, and Anna Kubíčková, the main PBIS expert. What are the benefits of formative assessment? And which assessment is more appropriate for children with special educational needs? Find out more in the following article.

14 June 2023

Project Signals launches new e-learning focused on early identification of children at risk

Last week, at a press conference, we presented to the media a new e-learning course How to Identify Children at Risk, accompanied by the actor Marek Němec, and KID cards, which are an effective tool for recognizing signals of child maltreatment and providing early help. Among the attendees were SOFA Chairperson Lenka Felcmanová, Signals Project Manager Tereza Svačinová, representatives of the Most interdisciplinary cooperation and ministries and, last but not least, the Česká spořitelna Foundation, which has been an integral part of the Signals Project since its inception and financially supported the project.

13 June 2023

It didn't have to happen. SOFA's practical tools help identify children at risk early

Press release on the introduction of tools for early identification of children at risk. Tragic stories of abused and neglected children often begin with adults overlooking their cries for help.

13 June 2023

What is the role of OSPOD in the protection of children at risk?

The Czech public perceives the role of the Social and Legal Protection of Children Authority (OSPOD for short) in many ways. Many have experienced the slang term "social worker", which they use when they want to intimidate someone and make them uncomfortable. To clarify the myths and half-truths about the OSPOD, we asked one of the most knowledgeable people, Martina Koplova, the coordinator of the regional platform of the Signals project.

5 June 2023

How can PBIS benefit not only children, but also educators and school administrators?

How to create a positive atmosphere in the classroom and prevent challenging behaviour in pupils? The editors of the monthly Průvodce společným vzděláváním (Common Education Guide) talked to Anna Kubíčková, coordinator of the PBIS expert team, about introducing positive behaviour support (PBIS) into schools.

2 June 2023

Don't ignore a child's danger signals and act in time

Today we present a real case of children at risk. We have changed the names of all the actors to preserve their anonymity. The story of Kuba, who is 8 years old this year, and his younger sister Karolina. Both of them are growing up in a complete family, but they don't have it easy at home. The family is struggling financially, has lost their own home and is now in a shelter. Kuba's school performance continues to deteriorate, absenteeism is increasing and he will most likely repeat a grade. He doesn't bring work equipment to school, he has no friends and his mother is considering changing primary schools...

29 May 2023

UNICEF and SOFA join forces for children at risk

Press release on the expansion of the Signals project to other cities and announcement of cooperation with UNICEF. Thanks to the partnership with UNICEF, Signals will now expand to Litvínov, Chomutov and prospectively other cities in the Central Bohemia and South Moravia regions in order to support vulnerable children, including children from Ukraine.

26 May 2023

New mothers in a difficult situation are helped at the Most maternity hospital

Czech Television report on the pilot screening of psychosocial stress of mothers in the maternity ward, which we are implementing in the Signals project.

22 May 2023

International Conference on Trauma-Responsive Approach - media coverage

Media coverage of the international conference Trauma-Friendly Approach as the Key to a Supportive School Environment, held on 10 May 2023

16 May 2023

Modification of rules for teaching assistants in primary schools will cost the state more, says organisation

The media are taking note of our position on the amendment to the Education Act, which changes the funding and method of assigning teaching assistants. Article published on novinky.cz.

11 May 2023

Is it worth it for the state to save on the position of teaching assistant?

Under a planned change to the funding of the teaching assistant position, mainstream primary schools would be entitled to fewer teaching assistants. Children with higher support needs will be particularly disadvantaged.

4 May 2023

We invite you to a conference on a trauma-informed approach

Are you wondering how to deal with challenging behaviour at school or how to talk to a child you suspect of domestic violence? Take inspiration from good practice from abroad.

22 April 2023

Children's mental health is deteriorating, I wouldn't be opposed to a separate subject

Several Czech schools are participating in a pilot testing of methodologies that focus on the development of social and emotional skills. Andrea Hříbalová, a teacher and educational counsellor at the Technical High School in Most, describes her first experiences in practice.

8 April 2023

Lenka Felcmanová hostem Studia 6 v České televizi

ODKLADY ŠKOLNÍ DOCHÁZKY. Proč a jakým způsobem? Kdy je vhodné o odkladu uvažovat a kdy naopak vhodný není? Tomu se věnovala naše předsedkyně Lenka Felcmanová ve Studiu 6 v České televizi.

23 March 2023

Introducing a member of the PorT expert team, Tereza Koudelková

An indispensable member of the expert team of the Institute of Trauma Respectful Approach within the PorT (Understanding Trauma) project is Tereza Koudelková, who graduated in social pedagogy in Ústí nad Labem and completed her master's studies at Charles University in Prague in the field of management of social and health organizations. She is a professional social counsellor, first for migrants in the Czech Republic and now for victims of domestic violence. In 2022, she co-organized the 24th Conference on Specialized Services for Women as Pillars of Peace in Times of Crisis and Beyond, organized by the WAVE network of organizations. What does her typical working day look like or what part of the project is she most looking forward to? This and much more can be found in the interview we have prepared for you.

22 March 2023

How the expert seminar Wellbeing and prevention of violence in close relationships was conducted

At the end of February, the first professional seminar took place within the project supporting socio-emotional learning and the prevention of violence in close relationships among primary and secondary school pupils.

9 March 2023

Home sweet home? A new programme to prevent violence in close relationships

Press release on the launch of a new programme to prevent violence in close relationships. The programme targets teenagers and uses the film Home sweet home?.

8 March 2023

Březnové kurzy a školení Akademie SOFA

I na březen jsme si pro Vás připravili řadu zajímavých kurzů a školení, ve kterých se mimo jiné dozvíte, co je to wellbeing a jaký má přínos pro školu, učitele a žáka, jak pracovat s dítětem zasaženým chudobou a sociálním znevýhodněním nebo jaké jsou hlavní příznaky depresivně úzkostné poruchy a jaké faktory se podílejí na jejím vzniku. Navíc jsme pro Vás v březnu připravili dvoudenní akreditovaný kurz Pozitivní podpora chování a předcházení konfliktům ve třídě pod vedením zkušených lektorek Lenky Brožkové a Julie Janečkové.

28 February 2023

Výcvik lektorů trauma respektujícího přístupu v projektu PorT zahájen

Po měsících intenzívních příprav jsme v minulém týdnu zahájili výcvik prvních 25 lektorů trauma respektujícího přístupu projektu PorT (Porozumění traumatu). Během jara výcvikem projde přes šedesát účastníků, a tak od května tohoto roku začneme nabízet cílové šestnáctihodinové školení pracovníkům ve vzdělávání a sociálním pracovníkům v celé České republice. Účastníci byli z první části výcviku nadšeni, pochvalovali si jeho obsah i přístup našich expertek. A to je jenom začátek...

24 February 2023

Pod výzvou nevládních organizací jsme podepsaní i my

Neziskové organizace vyzývají vládu ke spolupráci na posílení odolnosti české společnosti i řešení dopadů války na Ukrajině.

23 February 2023

Konference k závěru pilotáže systému PBIS - jaké jsou zkušenosti českých ZŠ?

Na konci ledna jsme pořádali konferenci k závěru pilotáže pozitivní podpory chování (systému PBIS), kde jsme shrnuli zkušenosti s pilotním zaváděním systému na základních školách.

15 February 2023

Školám budou chybět asistenti pedagoga

Tisková zpráva: Asistenti pedagoga mohou v budoucnu chybět tam, kde jsou nejvíce potřeba. Nový systém financování asistentů pedagoga, který navrhuje ministerstvo školství, zásadně ovlivní malotřídky, menší školy a školy s vyšším počtem dětí se speciálními vzdělávacími potřebami.

15 February 2023

Dotazy z webináře Možnosti řešení situace žáka jako ohroženého dítěte

Webinář zaměřený na kompetence OSPOD, neziskových organizací a školy v řešení situace žáka jako ohroženého dítěte, pod vedením zkušené lektorky a regionální koordinátorky projektu Signály, Martiny Koplové, vzbudil velkou vlnu emocí… Velmi nás potěšil zájem bezmála 70 účastníků lépe porozumět rolím aktérů v ochraně ohrožených dětí. A protože na dvouhodinovém školení zaznělo mnoho zajímavých otázek, rozhodli jsme se, že je zveřejníme také pro vás. Možná si kladete podobné otázky a chcete znát odpovědi. Děkujeme, že chcete společně s námi pomáhat dětem v ohrožení a není Vám lhostejný jejich osud.

13 February 2023

Bans turned into positive guidelines, now pupils and teachers are pulling together

What is their experience with the implementation of PBIS at the primary school in Zelenč u Prahy? Read the article about PBIS published on idnes.cz.

11 February 2023

ČOSIV se změnil na SOFA. Do další dekády vstupuje s barvami a výraznou grafikou

Česká odborná společnost pro inkluzivní vzdělávání (ČOSIV) mění po jedenácti letech působení název i vizuální identitu. Od února 2023 vystupuje ČOSIV pod názvem Society for All (SOFA). Nové pojmenování lépe vystihuje široký záběr nevládní neziskové organizace, jejímž původním cílem bylo podpořit v Česku společné vzdělávání a omezit praxi vylučování dětí se speciálními vzdělávacími potřebami z hlavního vzdělávacího proudu i ze společnosti

10 February 2023

SOFA vstoupila do společnosti ve velkém stylu

Na konci ledna jsme se setkali s mnoha inspirativními lidmi a přáteli, abychom jim představili naše vize do dalších let a také nový název a vizuální styl. Velmi nás potěšilo, že SOFA vstoupila do společnosti velkolepě.

9 February 2023

Zveme Vás na odborný seminář Wellbeing a prevence násilí v blízkých vztazích

Odborný seminář je realizován v rámci projektu Podpora duševního zdraví dětí a adolescentů prostřednictvím zavádění komplexních vzdělávacích programů zaměřených na socioemoční učení a prevenci násilí v blízkých vztazích, aneb Respekt, Rozmanitost, Rovnost, Resilience.

6 February 2023

ČOSIV se mění na Society for All

Jsme SOFA – Society for All. Už více než dekádu měníme český vzdělávací systém. Ještě jste o nás neslyšeli? Nejspíš proto, že SOFA se původně jmenovala ČOSIV (Česká odborná společnost pro inkluzivní vzdělávání). Proč jsme se rozhodli změnit název? Mění se nějak naše činnost?

31 January 2023

CSIS will teach schools how to prevent inappropriate behaviour

What is PBIS and what support can we offer schools? This is the subject of an article on the server novinky.cz.

27 January 2023

Adaptujeme a překládáme e-learning o aplikaci trauma respektujícího přístupu

Americkou verzi e-learningu zaměřeného na trauma respektující přístup pro vzdělavatele budeme adaptovat i pro Českou republiku.

20 December 2022

What is written in the media about the Signals project

30 November 2022

Představili jsme metodiky na školení PBIS koučů

V rámci prvního akreditovaného výcviku PBIS koučů jsme představili metodiky RRRR, které v rámci projektu aktuálně pilotujeme na třech školách.

28 October 2022

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22 October 2022

Účastnili jsme se odborné multioborové diskuze Nevypusť duši

Diskuze byla organizována k výsledkům průzkumu veřejného mínění. Z průzkumu veřejného mínění vyplývá, že 9 z 10 respondentů by se v případě psychických problémů u dítěte obrátilo na odborníky. Spolu s tím však průzkum odhalil nerealistická očekávání dospělých ohledně dostupnosti péče.

14 June 2022