The reasons for this are, on the one hand, the changing circumstances of the families receiving the children and, on the other, the increasing number of children who require short-term or longer-term accommodation. 270 children were placed in foster families in the district of Ludwigsburg in 2012. There are currently 400 foster relationships. However, it is not easy for the youth welfare office to find enough suitable parents. "There are not as many applications as we actually need, and the demand is increasing," says Regina Wissmann-Hähnle, head of the foster care service at the district office. "In many families today, both parents want to work and can't imagine taking a longer break. This usually leaves no time for an additional foster child, especially as they often need a lot of attention and care." Removing a child for a short or longer period of time is always the very last measure in the area of youth welfare. The causes are varied and by no means always to be found in domestic violence and neglect. Mental illness in the parents is often the cause, which can lead to both the parents and the children being overwhelmed. In most cases, the parents even agree to the placement in another family and retain contact rights. As the children come from difficult backgrounds and often bring their own baggage with them, it is of course particularly important to find structure, warmth and love in the "new family". It is clear to everyone involved that the "ideal family" will hardly ever exist; it is more important that the child, the foster carers and the parents find a good relationship with each other. The children often remain connected to their foster family long after the youth welfare service has ended.
Families, couples and single parents who would like to take in a foster child on a temporary or permanent basis receive intensive preparation, advice and support from the foster children's service. No special educational qualifications are required, but time, space and enjoyment of working with children are. Most foster children are between zero and six years old, but we are always looking for places for older children, especially host families for unaccompanied minor refugees. Foster parents receive financial recognition for both material expenses and upbringing, but should be in a secure financial situation.
Further information: https://www.landkreis-ludwigsburg.de/de/soziales-jugend-familie/kinder-jugendliche/pflegekinderdienst/
