3.1.2 Family-based care

3.1.2 FAMILY-BASED CARE

In accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have the right to care and protection, even if their own family cannot look after them. Our first priority is to make their family more resilient so they can stay together. However, if this is not in the interest of the child, or if there is no family who can look after the child, SOS Children’s Villages examines the best solution within its own care options and/or those in the network of local providers, which meet the individual needs of each child or young person. In association with child protection authorities and the children themselves, we perform a thorough evaluation to determine the care setting that is most appropriate for them. Regardless of the duration of the placement we always consider the long term and work on building trust with each child to support him or her on the path towards independence. SOS Children’s Villages supports various forms of family-based care.

Temporary care

In some cases, such as a family crisis or emergency situation, children need temporary care, in anticipation of family reintegration. In these situations we provide an environment that protects them from further harm. If it is established that it is in the child’s interests for him or her to return to the family, we carefully facilitate and support this process in line with the Guidelines for the Reintegration of Children. Should the home situation no longer allow it, we work with the child protection authorities to find the most suitable care option for the child.

Permanent care

In an SOS family children grow up with the loving, reliable care of an SOS parent. They are protected, have a home and are part of the community. Biological siblings stay together as long as that is in their interests, so the emotional bond between them can survive and grow. SOS parents are continuously trained so they can provide the children in their care, many of whom have experienced trauma, with the best possible care. Specialist psychologists and other forms of support are also available. The aim is to create an environment in which children can experience the value of strong and reliable relationships, which helps them in their development and in their future relationships with others.

Foster care

The implementation of foster care is unique in each national context. In some countries we provide support services to foster families, such as counselling or training, or we work with the authorities on implementing quality foster care through knowledge transfer or developing and distributing quality materials. In other countries our SOS parents are registered as foster parents.

Trauma awareness training

A recent study revealed that 75% of children in alternative care have experienced at least one traumatic event in their past. If a trauma is not processed properly it can affect the child’s psychological, physical and social development. In recent years we have devoted extra attention to this subject in our training courses for caregivers. We do this, for example, through training courses to increase awareness of trauma and educational workshops involving care professionals, children and young people. Youth care

The aim of our youth programmes is to equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to develop their talents and take the step towards independence. We provide individualised support in preparing for higher education, the labour market or independent entrepreneurship. As part of the (educational) support each young person actively participates in the process to leave care. And we don’t stop there: we continue to stay in touch with a young person when he or she has left care. We are there for them if they need support, and share in the moments that matter in life.

Contact with the biological family and family reintegration

When a child is placed in an SOS – or foster family, reintegration with the biological family remains the ultimate goal, if the family still exists and if it is in the best interests of the child. For this reason children maintain contact with their own (wider) family, if it is possible and desirable. If it is safe, they visit their family several times a year to maintain familial bonds and avoid potential emotional barriers for reintegration in the future. We regularly examine whether safe reintegration is possible. This is in accordance with UN Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children and Guidelines for the Reintegration of Children, and is based on careful consideration of the risks. In this process the focus is on addressing the underlying cause of the separation. This is necessary for successful reintegration and to avoid repeated separation. Upon their return, the child/children and the family receive attentive, long-term support.