Εκμετάλλευση - Εμπορία Ανθρώπων - Human Exploitation/Trafficking Let-Children-be-Children_Case-studies-refugee-prog | Page 38

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 38