Independent living arrangements
for unaccompanied children
in Germany
SUMMARY
The project aims to respond to the needs and rights of
unaccompanied young people in Germany who are transitioning
from care to independent life. By doing so, the projects
contributes to fill gaps and complement the national youth
welfare system. It supports unaccompanied children’s rights,
promoting their successful integration into German society.
Starting from the age of 16, unaccompanied young people receive
individual counselling and support for acquiring necessary skills
for daily life, including education, language courses, life and social
skills and career plans. In a next phase, up to the age of 21, the
young people have the possibility to live semi-independently. The
project focuses on self-empowerment and helping unaccompanied
young persons to live independently, step by step.
SOS Children’s Village Düsseldorf is working with the national,
municipal and regional authorities to provide a comprehensive
care network through its child and youth care projects, offering
educational support, individual guidance, counselling and other
activities for unaccompanied children over the age of 16 who have
been granted residence or a tolerated stay permit.
Young people in partnership with the relevant authorities,
caregivers and their guardians co-draft personal plans, which
help them to develop a realistic perspective on their life. Project
participants can continue to receive support after turning 18 and
up until the age of 21.
Country: Germany
Location: Düsseldorf and Essen
Website:
www.sos-kinderdorf.de
Target group:
Unaccompanied children between
the ages of 16 and 21
Implemented by:
SOS Children’s Village Düsseldorf and
SOS-Kinderdorf e.V.
Funded by:
State Youth Welfare
Timeframe: Long-term project, 2016 –ongoing
Contact person:
Lena Rausch
Advisor Pedagogical Special Service at SOS
Children’s Village Düsseldorf and SOS
Children’s Village Essen
[email protected]
Dr. Vincent Richardt
Pedagogy Department Director
[email protected]
Ilona Fuchs
Head of Programme and Quality Development,
SOS Children’s Villages Germany
[email protected]
KEY TOPICS
STAFF TRAINING CHILD PARTICIPATION PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP
PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP LOCAL COMMUNITY GUARDIANSHIP
ADVOCACY AND RESEARCH
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