| The German welfare association Caritas with its network “Early Help” (Frühe Hilfen) protects babies and toddlers from maltreatment and neglect by mothers and fathers who are out of their depth in their responsibility as a parent. For some years now there have been more cases of young mothers and fathers unable to cope with the pressure that the first years of being a parent entails. With the multiple strain of functioning in studies / profession, in a partnership and as a parent, there is an increased risk of reacting with violence out of sheer helplessness in situations of conflict. Professional and voluntary intervention at an early stage should prevent the risk families from getting into this hopeless situation in the first place. |
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With a social early warning system Frühe Hilfen wants to recognise in advance the danger the babies are subject to and counteract this with focused backup. Qualified voluntary family helpers enable the families to find easy access to the range of support measures. Help can be given starting with antenatal classes or via midwives, hospitals and youth welfare offices, should things become critical. The Auerbach Foundation supports this early-stage relief to ensure a good start in life especially for young families.
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