Model project for foster families in Berlin

Foster parents in Berlin are to be better off financially. To this end, the pilot project "Foster Child Start Bonus" will be launched on 1 January, as announced by Family Senator Katharina Günther-Wünsch (CDU).

Foster carers who take in a child in full-time care can therefore apply for support of 924 euros per month. The money is intended as relief and compensation for the lack of entitlement to parental allowance.

Model project aimed at single parents and the self-employed

According to the Senator, the pilot project is primarily aimed at single parents and self-employed people in order to attract new people from this group who are interested in taking in foster children. Only Berlin residents whose foster child has not yet started school are eligible. In addition, foster carers may only work a maximum of 32 hours per week.

Consultations for interested parties

According to the family administration, interested parties can obtain advice from the respective foster child services of the Berlin youth welfare offices or from the organisation Familien für Kinder gGmbH (www.familien-fuer-kinder.de). The benefits are paid to one foster carer per family regardless of income - for up to twelve months, according to previous information.

"A strong signal for child protection"

"With the foster child starter bonus, we are sending a strong signal in favour of child protection and the appreciation of foster families," explained Senator Günther-Wünsch. "Every foster family makes an indispensable contribution to the protection and future of children in difficult life situations. This model project shows that Berlin is also breaking new ground in providing foster families with special financial support during the sensitive familiarisation phase."
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Around 2,000 young people in foster families in Berlin

Around 2,000 young people live in foster families in Berlin, plus several thousand more foster children in residential care. Until now, foster parents have received a so-called educational allowance of generally 420 euros per month as well as a lump sum for the child's living expenses of between 600 and 850 euros per month. The amount depends on the age of the child or young person. The new start-up bonus would be added to these benefits.