Becoming and being a foster family in Chemnitz
A foster family is currently needed for ten children in Chemnitz. Foster mothers and fathers are therefore urgently needed for children aged 0 to 14. The Youth Welfare Office of the City of Chemnitz provided information about this in a press conference today.
When families find themselves in emergency or crisis situations and children can no longer live in their own family, foster families provide them with a home for a shorter or longer period of time. Foster parents offer the children the support, love and security they need, as well as reliable care and attention. This is because children grow up best in family structures and can become part of society and enrich it as strengthened and secure personalities. A distinction is made between full-time care for children whose parents are unable to look after and bring up their children themselves for a longer period of time or permanently, and short-term care for children whose parents are unable to provide care for their child for a limited period of time (due to illness, for example).
There are currently 289 fostering relationships in 238 foster families in Chemnitz. Although two foster families currently still have capacity, they are unable to take in any of the ten children mentioned for various reasons. Three foster families are in the preparation phase.
Anyone in Chemnitz who is interested in becoming a foster mother or foster father is supported by the Foster Children's Service of the Youth Welfare Office of the City of Chemnitz, which, alongside the Caritasverband für Chemnitz und Umgebung e. V., is responsible for finding and placing foster families. V., which is responsible for finding and placing foster mothers and fathers, provides comprehensive advice and support - both before, during and after the fostering relationship. The Youth Welfare Office's foster children service decides on the suitability of foster families, places children in suitable foster families and monitors the welfare of foster children. The Foster Children's Service also organises training courses for foster families as well as events for exchange and appreciation, such as the Adoptive and Foster Families Day.
There is no general age limit for foster carers, but one of the criteria is that the age difference between the foster carer and the foster child must not exceed 50 years. Foster mums and dads can become foster carers regardless of the relationship status. The foster families in Chemnitz are colourful and diverse.
In foster families, the child's natural bond with their own family is maintained, so contact is necessary. A relaxed, uncomplicated and understanding relationship within the foster family is therefore essential for the development of the foster child.
Foster parents receive financial support to cover their living expenses and for the upbringing of the child. The monthly lump sums for material expenses are 731 euros for children up to the age of 6, 864 euros for children aged 6 to 12 and 1025 euros for children aged 12 to 18. In each age group, there is an additional 420 euros for care and education.
Please note:
On 27 May, from 4 to 6 p.m., the foster care service of the Youth Welfare Office of the City of Chemnitz invites you to an information event in the Moritzhof (room 221).