Research & Development
A Professional Community for Children Without Family Support
FICE Israel is the Israeli branch of FICE International, the world’s leading network advancing the rights, education, and care of children and youth growing up in out-of-home settings.
Active in Israel since the 1970s, FICE Israel brings together welfare boarding schools, youth villages, children’s homes, academic experts, and organizations including Yeladim – Fair Chance for Children.
The shared mission is simple: to ensure that every child growing up outside their family has continuity, stability, and access to the highest professional standards of care.
Hosted and supported by Yeladim, FICE Israel strengthens the entire ecosystem surrounding children in residential care – not only the children themselves, but also the professionals who guide them every day.
Part of a Global Movement
Founded in 1948 under the auspices of UNESCO, FICE International now operates in more than 38 countries. It advances:
• International policy in out-of-home education and care
• Research and professional knowledge development
• Global conferences and professional exchanges
• Cross-country learning and collaboration
FICE works alongside global institutions such as UNESCO, UNICEF, and the European Union. Israel plays an active role in shaping and contributing to this international dialogue.
What FICE Israel Does
1. Professional Development for Frontline Staff
National conferences and ongoing training programs for residential schools, youth villages, and emergency centers.
Topics include:
• Integrating education and therapeutic care
• Trauma and abuse
• Youth delinquency and addiction
• Family relationships and community connection
• Preparing youth for transition to adulthood
By strengthening professionals, we directly strengthen outcomes for children.
2. FICE Café – Practical Tools for the Field
A structured online learning series providing applied tools for identifying risk, emotional intervention, and long-term support. Each series includes four focused sessions designed for real-world implementation.
3. Experiential Programming for Youth
During school breaks, approximately 400 children and youth without family support participate in structured outdoor programs, community-building activities, and confidence-building experiences that expand their sense of belonging and possibility.
4. “Hofim” – Academic Training for Residential Counselors
A flagship professional training program, developed with Oranim and Kaye Colleges, that formalizes the role of residential counselors, strengthens standards, and creates a shared professional language across the field.
5. International Leadership and Exchange
Israeli professionals participate in FICE International conferences and delegations, sharing Israeli practice globally and bringing international knowledge back to strengthen local systems.
Why This Matters
Education and care in out-of-home settings is a profession that demands training, emotional resilience, and community support.
Frontline staff often work under intense emotional pressure. Without professional development and shared standards, burnout rises and quality declines.
FICE Israel ensures that knowledge is preserved, standards are upheld, and professionals are supported – so that children growing up without family receive not only care, but opportunity.
Support Professional Development
To help strengthen the training and professional support of residential care staff in Israel, please contact:
Yoav Appelbaum
yoave51@gmail.com
+972-50-5705251