On November 8, 2022, the first familea symposium took place in the Volkshaus Basel. This symposium was initiated, co-financed and shaped in terms of content by the former foster parents' association of Northwestern Switzerland. With around 100 participants, including numerous foster families, cantonal representatives and specialists from the referring agencies, the topic "Tension in the foster care relationship" - relationship versus legal framework - was worked on together. The focus was on the well-being of the foster child. The immersion in different perspectives allowed an insight into "other people's shoes".
The perspective of the cantons and referring authorities
The short presentations by the cantons and referring agencies showed the current legal basis and examined the framework conditions. The focus was also on the transitions in the lives of children and adolescents, which can be very demanding and therefore require good preparation. In the cooperation with all parties involved, clear responsibilities and roles are needed to ensure a smooth process from the request to the placement and care.
The perspective of foster families
In the interview with foster mother S. Aeby, the tension between "relationship building and detachment" and "being a foster mother and professionalism" was addressed. Impressive was her personal experience report in the role as a foster mother, which S. Aeby shared with all present. This made visible the challenging handling of one's own emotions and of closeness and distance.
The perspective of science
In the scientific lecture by Dr. Heidi Simoni, director of the Marie Meierhofer Institute for the Child- "Relationship Needs of the Foster Child" all participants became aware that there are no "harmless" placement measures. Such an event leaves a profound mark on the life of every child. . This realization is based on various research findings. Prof. Dr. Klaus Wolf, head of the Research Group on Foster Children at the University of Siegen impressed with his statement that foster parents should be recognized as experts for the child entrusted to them. Likewise, he emphasized the importance of providing sufficient support to birth parents during the out-of-home placement of their children.
The perspective of implementation
familea plays an important role as an interface between authorities and foster families in the professional and practical implementation. It is important to accompany and train the foster families according to their needs. This process requires constant optimization and reflection, adapted to the concrete needs in a foster relationship. The intensity and importance of the role of the Zentrum Pflegekinder Nordwestschweiz is also reflected in the sustainable growth from 4 to 15 employees within two years.
The common perspective
This met with strong approval from the foster parents present. In the subsequent panel discussion, the question of the responsibility and recognition of foster parents was discussed in detail. Emphasis was placed on the role and availability of the referring specialists and support persons. The question of "what happens afterwards" and the support of foster children after the age of 18 was another important topic that often triggers uncertainty.
The future perspective
The first symposium was a complete success. familea brought together the different views, perspectives and scientific bases. Important starting points for the further cooperation of all parties involved were created. The next step will be to compile the various aspects and demands and work on possible implementations. The fact is that the field of tension in the foster child system will always exist. With the joint exchange, we have succeeded in bringing together the different perspectives, raising awareness and continuing to work together for the well-being of the foster child.
