The City of Salzgitter's foster care service currently looks after 121 foster children in 92 foster families. Throughout the entire period of caring for the fostered child, the foster parents receive advice and support from employees of the Adoption and Foster Children Service of the municipal Children, Youth and Family Department.
Couples and individuals can apply to become foster carers. Same-sex (married) couples as well as patchwork families, single people and single parents can take in a foster child. In order to be recognized as a foster carer, applicants must undergo a review process, which can sometimes take six months.
The aim of placing a child in a foster home is to support the child's development and provide a home for the duration of the placement. For the duration of the foster care relationship, the foster families open their doors as a private family and become part of the public youth welfare service, working together with all parties involved for the benefit of the child.
There are different forms of full-time foster care, which determine the length of the placement, and the return to the family of origin is always considered. Some children only stay in the foster home for a few weeks or months until their prospects have been clarified or they stay with their foster parents for several years, sometimes until they reach the age of majority and beyond.
Foster families are mainly sought for children between the ages of 0 and 6. The foster care service selects the most suitable foster home for the child. Attention is paid to the needs of the child. Foster families take over the care and upbringing of children where the biological parents cannot guarantee this for a variety of reasons.
No matter how old they are, the foster children have already had previous experience and bring their own special characteristics with them. They always show a greater need for support and sometimes also behavioral problems. This is why it is so important that there are enough available foster homes to achieve the best possible match between child and foster parent.
Foster families are a smaller and more familiar setting than a residential facility or group home, which is why the youngest children in particular should be given the opportunity to grow up there. A family structure offers children the chance to gain new family experiences. The foster child grows up with two families. At best, contact with the family of origin will continue, so that regular contact can take place.
The municipal foster care service provides information and advice to those interested in becoming foster parents. In the event of a placement, it offers continuous monitoring and support for the foster relationship. There are also regular events such as training courses and foster parent get-togethers to facilitate a mutual exchange.
Anyone interested in taking in a foster child can contact the Salzgitter foster care service at adoptionsdienst.pflegekinderdienststadt.salzgitterde. More information can be found on the city's website or by calling 05341 / 839-4581.