| The family is the oldest social unit and the last social safety net. It gives people a feeling of security and recuperation and can stave off much distress, if the family is intact. When this safety net becomes fragile people are often left to their own resources. Unexpected events such as the loss of work, illness, the death of a family member or the painful separation can throw people off course and can shatter entire families. In such cases professional help and caring supervision are called for. The helpers from Familienhilfe Caritas offer both, and cater to the various individual needs. |
|
If the main caring person - parent or guardian – is no longer able to care, a trained family helper cares for the children and ensures that a stable domestic environment can be maintained. She makes sure that the usual day-to-day family routine is kept up as far as possible. Her work focuses on the needs, wishes and resources of the family. The support includes practical help in looking after the children, housekeeping and dealing with authorities etc. But simply listening and consoling is also part of the job. The Auerbach Foundation supports Caritas in their work so that families are not left alone in times of crisis. |