Care parent. Now: New campaign for urgently needed families

Care parent. Now: New campaign for urgently needed families

In Upper Austria, the search for suitable foster families is an important topic. Every year, child and youth welfare needs support for around 70 children from the region. Via the new "Nursing Eltern. Now" campaign, which was launched in the Freistadt, Perg and Linz-Land districts, should not only be addressed full-time care parents, but also people who can provide short-term support.

The Freistadt district currently has 44 foster children who are housed in 29 foster families, while 53 children live in 37 families in the Linz-Land district. In the Perg district, 20 children have found a home in 18 families. In 2023, child and youth welfare looked after a total of 646 children in around 470 foster families in Upper Austria.

The role of foster parents

Foster parents assume an important responsibility. They offer children who cannot live with their biological parents for various reasons, a safe and loving home. According to Michael Lindner, the State Child Protection Council, it is crucial that the children can grow up in a family environment, especially if they are still very young.

The decision to give a child in care is made by child and youth welfare together with the biological parents if they are no longer able to take care of the child. For a long time, foster parents are often the most important caregivers for the children.

part-time care parents for flexible support

Another innovative element of the campaign is the search for part-time care parents. These can support families if help is needed, be it at short notice during a rehab or for regular relief in everyday life. The idea is that children can continue to stay in their familiar surroundings, even if additional care is necessary.

“Part-time” care parents are supported by social workers and receive advice to ensure successful integration into the family. An example from practice is a family that, with the help of a childless couple who has the necessary resources, enables your child regular leisure activities.

This flexible form of care plays a crucial role and could relieve many families. The social challenges, especially for single parents or parents in crisis situations, can often be significantly alleviated by such support offers.

The aim of the campaign aims to highlight the importance of foster parents in society and shows haunting messages that are formulated from a child's view in order to achieve the hearts of people. Posters and digital advertising attract attention and illustrate the urgency of gaining more foster parents.

District captain Werner Kreisl from Perg has expressed hope that this campaign feels that many people feel addressed and are ready to be there for children in difficult situations. Andrea Wildberger, District Center of Freistadt, also emphasizes how important foster parents are for the stability of children in crisis situations.

In order to also support the campaign, local companies such as the Braucommune Freistadt Sponsoring provide. Lemonades are distributed on special campaign days to draw attention to the valuable work of the foster parents.

If you would like to learn more about this important topic, visit the website www.pflegeeltern.yetz .