Foster families in the Main-Kinzig-Kreis: A way to new opportunities for children!

Foster families in the Main-Kinzig-Kreis: A way to new opportunities for children!

In the Main-Kinzig-Kreis, the number of children and adolescents who cannot stay in their families of origin increases continuously. The youth welfare office has therefore developed a strategy that prefers foster families. Such a family is the East family in Free Court. In the summer of 2023, the seven -month -old Lisa (name changed) came to her home, where she already got used to it well and soon celebrates her second birthday. Your arrival has ensured joy, especially with the nine -year -old daughter of Melanie and Markus Ost, who now plays the role of the "big sister".

according to Fuldaer Zeitung had only been familiar with Lisa. Melanie and Markus Ost faced the decision between adoption and foster parents and finally opted for the latter. The family bond with foster children can be limited, but the needs of the family of origin always remain an important factor. The East family has already organized contacts with Lisa's biological mother and her older sister, which ensures a positive environment.

The role of the youth welfare office

The youth welfare office plays a central role in many cases, both in looking after foster children and supporting the foster families. Markus Ost expresses that he has experienced some challenges, but did not consider them as problems. The couple emphasizes the urgency of openness and honesty, especially in comparison to biological children. The youth welfare office not only offers advice, but also various forms of support.

The mother of two Melanie Ost has treated herself a professional break to do justice to the family. Regular meetings with other foster families in the Main-Kinzig district not only promote the exchange, but also give the feeling of being part of a larger whole. Melanie and Markus Ost are convinced of their decision and wish that further families take the step into the foster parents.

preparation and challenges for foster families

interested citizens from the Main-Kinzig district can request information on foster children at the youth welfare office. At the beginning you will receive a “short information” about the essential requirements. You will then be invited to detailed information talks in which processes and personal stress for foster parents are treated ( mkk ). After these talks, you choose an applicant seminar that illuminates various aspects of foster parenting.

The seminar takes place in groups over several evenings in the Main-Kinzig-Forum in Gelnhausen and deals with psychological, legal and formal aspects. A positive suitability is found through a detailed final discussion in the youth welfare office and a final home visit. In this way, it is checked whether the spatial conditions and the life situation of the family are suitable to absorb a foster child. Numerous documents, such as an application sheet and a health certificate, are required for everyone involved.

The importance of families of origin

A central aspect in foster child work is the relationship system of foster children who always have two families: their family of origin and their foster family. Even if the contact with the biological parents or siblings does not always exist, the family of origin remains an important part of the identity of the child ( Support that arrives ). Open handling of the family of origin promotes the possibility that the child can express questions and develop wishes. Ideally, the physical parents are included in the decision to accept a foster child, which makes living together in the foster family easier.

Overall, the commitment of the East family shows that foster parents can bring a positive development for everyone involved. Melanie and Markus Ost have clearly spoken in favor of the fact that other families should take the step towards the care of parenting, and see hope for many others in their own experience.