MAIN STRENGTHS AND KEY CHALLENGES
Promoting equity of care
The project is endorsed by child and youth services as a living
arrangement for children without parental care. The quality of
accommodation and care provided for unaccompanied and sepa-
rated children is the same as that available to other children, which
promotes equity and non-discrimination in care. At the same time,
support services are tailored to meet the specific needs of this group
of children and include, for example, language courses and informa-
tion on legal rights and obligations.
Support in transitioning to adulthood
The project provides accommodation until the age of 21 at the lat-
est, supporting young people in transitioning to adulthood. Young
people in care, particularly unaccompanied and separated children,
might have a different pattern of transition and encounter greater
challenges on their path to independence than other children.
During this crucial time in their lives, children need a supportive
and caring environment. The project provides semi-independent
living arrangements that help young people gradually take respon-
sibility for their lives, build self-esteem and develop life skills.
Integration and social inclusion
Many facilities for refugees and asylum seekers are located in
remote areas, create an isolating environment and fail to ensure
adequate access to support services, healthcare, education and
vocational training. In this project, unaccompanied and separated
children live in a student residence facility and have many oppor-
tunities to interact with peers and the local community. The setting
allows them to practice their German and learn about local cultural
values and societal norms. Further support is provided in areas
including vocational training and employability.
Partnerships
By partnering with the student residence facility, schools, pub-
lic services, private actors and civil society organisations, SOS
Children’s Village Salzburg ensures access to essential services and
addresses the young people’s development needs.
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