based on an assessment of his or her needs. It is formalised in a care contract, which outlines the responsibilities of both the project participant and the case manager and is binding for both parties. Project participants consent to adhere to the rules set out in the contract, attend regular meetings and follow the arrangements developed in consultation with them. The care plan is regularly reviewed and adapted to address the constantly evolving needs of the young person.
Young people participating in the project are supported to cope with everyday life. They also receive educational support for school and vocational training, in addition to pedagogical support to help them to become independent and to integrate into society.
To cater to the individual needs of each young person, a range of activities are carried out to develop practical competencies, improve personal and emotional well-being and promote social and professional integration. Areas targeted by these activities include, among other things, managing household activities such as cooking, shopping and furnishing, organising free time, practicing self-discipline in handling money, strengthening self-confidence, being able to spend time alone, building relationships, facing fears, recognising your own feelings and learning to deal with them, coping with crisis situations, being considerate to others, respecting rules and norms, recognising the importance of school and vocational training, and improving job interview skills.
The young people not only receive individual support but also participate in group activities and projects, such as joint recreational activities or meetings and discussions on topics of their interests. In addition, project participants can make use of other opportunities available with SOS Children’ s Villages, for example the Youth Club that provides young people with a safe and friendly space for free-time activities as well as homework tutoring.
The socio-pedagogical experts of SOS Children’ s Villages act as mediators between young people and other actors in all areas which affect their everyday lives. They accompany, if necessary, the young person to appointments with the authorities, therapists and doctors.
Furthermore, in order to promote project participants’ rights and facilitate access to adequate services and protection, legal counselling and support is provided to guide and assist on migration and asylum procedures and identify realistic options and opportunities that could facilitate long-term integration into German society.
The staff have different cultural backgrounds and include male and female professionals of different ages that work together in a team, promoting multiculturalism and gender equality, which helps the project participants to familiarise themselves with socially acceptable gender roles in Germany that might be different from those in their country of origin.
42