New offer in Graz: Free social counseling for kindergarten parents

New offer in Graz: Free social counseling for kindergarten parents

A new pilot project called Kindergarten Social Work (KISA) in Graz should offer parents and legal guardians of kindergarten children from November. This is done in cooperation with Caritas. The goal? To recognize social challenges at an early stage and to support them with targeted measures. "The earlier we see where help is necessary in families, the more efficient we can support to develop solutions quickly and specifically," explains Vice Director of Caritas Styria, Erich Hohl.

parents have the opportunity to take support and advice at a total of 19 locations in Graz. For this, three social workers are available who offer weekly consultation hours. This initiative is not only free of charge, but should also relieve the pedagogical staff in the kindergartens. Alexandra Strohmeier-Wieser, the managing director of the parish kindergarten foundation of the diocese of Kib3, emphasizes: "If the backpack that the child brings with you is too difficult, then it means to look closely. But often there is no time for intensive parent work."

low -threshold offers for families

The offer from Kisa is designed to address parents with workshops and lectures and actively integrate them. It should create a contact point where help is easily and confidentially available. This is particularly important because not all parents immediately dare to use help. The initiative not only promotes support for parents, but also helps children grow up in a healthier family environment.

The financing of the project comes from a funding call from the Ministry of Social Affairs, which the Caritas organizations in Styria, Salzburg and Upper Austria took into account. The project is also supported by the Graz-Seckau diocese. It was even able to win the "BildungsMillion" ideas competition, which is still underlining the meaning and success of the project. The term of the program is scheduled for two years and is comprehensively evaluated scientifically. In the long term, Kisa is to be established as a permanent resource for all Styrian kindergartens.

The opportunity to take advantage of professional support in kindergarten social work could be of great benefit to many families. Especially in times when the pressure on parents increases and the challenges due to the early childhood upbringing should not be underestimated, Kisa offers a valuable opportunity to maintain support and thus promote the well -being of children.