Family Educational Crisis Foster Care Placement

The family pedagogical crisis foster care placement in Styria is aimed at non-profit organizations that operate privately recognized child and youth welfare institutions. As a grant funding program in the fields of social affairs, children and youth, as well as labor & social affairs, this program enables the immediate admission of children and adolescents aged zero to 18 years in acute crisis situations. The objective of the measure is to provide a reliable and time-limited family-based crisis accommodation offer to prevent a worsening of the situation, ensure the well-being of the young people, and stabilize and promote their psychological, social, physical, mental, and emotional development. Applications can be submitted continuously.

The placement takes place with specially trained family pedagogical foster carers, preferably in a familiar environment, provided the child's welfare allows this. The regular stay lasts up to six months; in justified exceptional cases, a one-time extension of a further three months may be granted. Eligible for funding are institutions with a written service contract with the Styrian State Government that admit children and adolescents with a valid care agreement. Prerequisites are acute problem situations that can no longer be managed on an outpatient or inpatient basis, as well as risks due to neglect or physical, mental, or sexual abuse. Furthermore, young people are supported if there is no adequate inpatient care at home, if family conflicts arise without a supportive network, or if running away from home has occurred. This funding creates a secure perspective, strengthens individual resources, and paves the way for the development of long-term care strategies.