In her welcoming speech, Regina Wißmann-Hähnle, head of the specialist service, spoke about how important the daily work of foster families is for the district of Ludwigsburg and how much their commitment is appreciated. "A celebration like this is just a small token of the great appreciation for the valuable work of the foster families present," she said.
Colorful program and lively exchange
For the children and young people, there was childcare with a colorful program, face painting, a play mobile, ball sports and creative activities. The big highlight was a hip-hop workshop. The children and young people presented the dance choreography they had practiced to the families at the end to great applause. For the foster parents, the party was a welcome opportunity to get to know each other better and exchange ideas over coffee and cake. "Families who take in a child share many successes and joyful moments, but also face challenges and difficulties in their everyday lives," says Wißmann-Hähnle.
For the children and young people, too, there were always moments when they realized with astonishment: I'm not alone as a foster child after all. There are many like me.
In recognition of the valuable commitment of the foster families, Anja Beckmann, Head of the Children, Youth and Family Department, also attended the celebration. In her speech, Beckmann paid tribute to the great achievements of the foster families and emphasized how important their contribution is for the good placement of young people in the youth welfare system. "We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the children into your families and giving them a new home." She also thanked the youth welfare office for their consistently excellent cooperation.
The summery weather, the numerous conversations and lots of fun and laughter contributed to the success of the festive afternoon.
Over 300 children and young people in the district live in foster families
Foster families are an important component of youth welfare. They offer children reliable relationships and a stable environment, which is extremely valuable for their development. They accompany foster children with a great deal of commitment and passion, usually until they become independent.
In the district of Ludwigsburg, over 300 children and young people live in foster families who, for various reasons, cannot grow up with their parents. The need for foster parents is constantly increasing. The Youth Welfare Office is therefore looking for families, couples or individuals who can provide children with a home for a limited period of time (standby care) or permanently. Interested people are comprehensively prepared for this special task by the foster care service. Specialists accompany and support the foster families for the entire duration of the fostering relationship and remain contact persons for questions or difficulties.
Foster families receive a monthly care allowance and various financial benefits. In addition, foster parents experience a multitude of happy moments as a result of caring for a child. Of course, there are also challenges, but the positive moments make being a foster parent a very valuable and enriching experience.
People who are interested in taking on a foster child or who have questions are welcome to contact the district administration's foster child service on 07141 144 2048 or by email at pflegekinderdienst@landkreis-ludwigsburg.de.
