Bernburg. Not only do they help in times of need, they also provide security and set the stage for a child's stable development: foster parents! In doing so, they make an enormously important contribution. In order to give as many children from difficult circumstances as possible a real home with loving parents, the Salzlandkreis district is looking for new foster parents. "We are looking for single people or couples with or without children of their own from the Salzlandkreis district," says Josephin Warthmann, the specialist service manager responsible. The most important thing is: "You must want to do something good, so you need to have a big heart, because foster children need attention and appreciation. That is the basis for a stable relationship. Of course, you also need time and patience to get involved with the child."
The childcare service of the specialist youth and family service of the Salzland district will provide comprehensive information about the requirements, the process from interest to foster parenthood and the possible support options - at three information events. These will take place in September and October at the district adult education centre in Aschersleben, Bernburg and Schönebeck. The reason: although the Salzland district is already supported by many foster parents, many children do not have to be placed in a children's home after being taken into care. Nevertheless, the number of children who cannot grow up in their own family for a variety of reasons is constantly increasing. There are currently 312 so-called foster relationships in the Salzland district, with the majority of children in permanent care. In a number of cases, relatives also take on the tasks.
When taking in a foster child, foster parents receive a basic and education allowance per month, an annual lump sum for accident insurance and a monthly lump sum for appropriate old-age provision. According to the corresponding regulation of the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Equality of Saxony-Anhalt, the foster family receives a basic amount, which is divided into age groups. Depending on the age of the child, the monthly amount is between 748 and 1050 euros per child. In addition, there is an education allowance of 430 euros. The Salzland district also provides support on the basis of a guideline with subsidies, for example for initial equipment when a child is admitted. Grants are also possible if foster parents take a career break, for example. "We strategically reorganised ourselves years ago and have now had many positive experiences with foster parents. We support them with our childcare service wherever we can. We don't leave anyone on their own," emphasises the Head of Specialist Services. She explains that regular dialogue with other foster parents is also possible within a network that has been created.
It is possible to take in a foster child both temporarily as part of so-called standby care and on a long-term basis. "The aim is to enable children who are at risk in their own families to grow up in stable conditions in the long term," says Josephin Warthmann. A foster relationship exists between the child or young person and the foster parents because the biological parents are unable to provide the upbringing for a variety of reasons. Formally, a fostering contract is concluded between the specialised service and the foster parents. This is based on the Eighth Social Code. District Administrator Markus Bauer says: "Foster parents not only help the children, they also make an enormous contribution to society, which cannot be overestimated. I would like to thank everyone who is involved in this way."
The information events will take place at the district adult education centre in Aschersleben at Augustapromenade 44 on Wednesday, 24 September, at the district adult education centre in Bernburg at Vor dem Nienburger Tor 13a on Wednesday, 1 October, and at the district adult education centre in Schönebeck at Tischlerstraße 13a on Wednesday, 8 October, in each case from 3 to 6 pm. Enquiries can be made by calling 03471/684 1660 during office hours.