The RRF has launched two new guidebooks under the Counselling Lab project, designed to support return counsellors in providing more effective, rights- and gender-sensitive counselling.
The first guidebook focuses on return counselling for families with children. Part of a comprehensive training package, it includes presentation materials, facilitator guidance, practical exercises, evaluation tools, and checklists ready for use. The guidebook equips counsellors with the knowledge and practical skills to support parents in involving their children—as rights holders—in return and reintegration processes. It offers practical examples of a rights-based approach, guidance for working with vulnerable children, and child-friendly communication techniques, empowering parents to act in their children’s best interests.
The second guidebook focuses on empowering women during return counselling sessions. Also part of a comprehensive training package, it provides counsellors with practical guidance to promote women’s active participation in decision-making, address their specific needs and aspirations, and apply a gender-sensitive and equality-focused approach. It emphasises the identification and referral of protection and vulnerability cases, particularly those involving gender-based violence, to the appropriate actors.
Both guidebooks were co-developed with organisations and experts with hands-on counselling experience across multiple Member States, including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, Sweden, and Switzerland. Their expertise ensures that the guidebooks combine practical, real-world recommendations with the sensitivity and humanity central to supporting vulnerable groups during return counselling.
Importantly, these guidebooks can now be translated and adapted into practical training and courses for Member States and relevant partners, supporting the broader roll-out of rights- and gender-sensitive counselling practices across Europe.
Get in touch with the RRF Team should you be more interested on these materials at rrf@icmpd.org.
