International version N°5
A Message from Jacques Hansen, Director In January, the human catastrophe that struck Haiti created a great movement of solidarity in Luxembourg. The Red Cross was deeply involved immediately after the earthquake. In addition to financial and material support, emergency teams were deployed to help the victims. A first assessment of action and future projects will soon be sent to all donors. However, beyond the humanitarian emergency aid, the Luxembourg Red Cross leads daily national and international helping activities for those in need. Today, we would like to present you an essential part of our activity, namely the support for the families in need. This new edition of Crosswords offers you a view on our work with families in difficulty. It helps you be informed on topics such as international adoption or foster care. While the Quinzaine du Don is getting close (9 to 29 April, 2010), you will discover the importance of your regular support for our activities that ensures their continuity in Luxembourg and in other parts of the world. Wishing you good reading, Jacques Hansen Director
When the family gets out of control, the Red Cross mobilizes For weeks, 14 year old Tim has been undergoing a crisis at school. His bad marks, his fears and sleepless nights made him aggressive towards his teachers and classmates. His school problems are a reflection of his life at home. For months, he has witnessed violent quarrels between his parents. Tim feels that nobody cares about him and his parents are convinced that family problems just have to be accepted. Depressed, especially since they lost their jobs, they don’t make any effort anymore. But Tim is not alone. His teachers and social workers who assist the family are aware of his problems and have already reported it. To support the family, the Red Cross offers many services. Tim and his parents may be offered assistance for different levels of difficulties faced. While in some cases placement with another family is the only option in order to assure the child’s safety, every young person has his own story and the Red Cross has all the tools to adapt to each person’s needs. Firstly, it offers services that are not necessarily for a family in crisis, but could improve the well being of the child. This is the case in the holiday camps or youth centres which provide a support for socializing through different activities. Secondly, when problems require further assistance, the Red Cross offers psychological support (Psy-Young) or therapeutic support (Kannerhaus Jean Therapy Centre). A further stage occurs when the emergency department Families First steps in to try to avoid family placement. And if necessary, Colnet and Norbert Ensch centres give the families the chance to rebuild, by providing a social refuge for their children. The foster centre may be another alternative. MARCH 2010