Mother-Child Residential Facility

Within Styria, an ongoing grant program supports shared housing communities in the thematic areas of Social Affairs, Health, Children and Youth, Women’s Advancement, as well as Work & Social Affairs. The funding is provided as a grant and is exclusively aimed at providers of in-kind services. Non-profit organizations that are officially approved as private child and youth welfare institutions, submit a written service contract with the state government, and enter into a valid care agreement with the target group are eligible to provide this service. In the supported housing projects, pregnant women, expectant mothers with infants and toddlers develop their own resources, design individual life plans, and create a needs-based environment that optimally supports the child’s development. Applications can be submitted at any time, offering both providers and participants high planning security. The service has been available without limitation since March 25, 2014. The legal basis is formed by the Federal Child and Youth Welfare Act 2013 as well as the Styrian Child and Youth Welfare Act and its implementing regulation.

Funding objectives focus on enabling independent daily living – from relationship building through securing housing and labor market integration to household management and child-rearing – in order to minimize social, emotional, psychological, and physical risks for mother and child. This integrative offer strengthens the parent-child bond and sustainably promotes social participation, while continuous reflection and professional support consolidate developmental progress. The project duration is six months and can be extended by an additional six months if needed. The offer is specifically aimed at women in crisis situations or those requiring support during the first months of life and for whom no other institution is responsible. Thus, the program makes a significant contribution to equal opportunities and the autonomous upbringing of families during challenging life phases.