Support parents offer children a familiar place
Raising children is a big job. For all parents, it is nice not to have to do it alone. But not everyone gets a helping hand when they need it. That is why Steunouder is active in more and more municipalities. Kerkrade has also been affiliated with Steunouder Nederland since last year. On March 2, 2023 was the official start of the project.
What are Support Parents?
Support parents are adult volunteers who provide a welcoming home for a child one or two half-days a week. They give a child, within their own family life, a familiar place where he or she is welcome and can be a child. This gives parents space to catch their breath and experience sharing Health for Children together. It helps parents look at their situation from a distance and regain courage. Feeling welcome by an (initially) relative stranger is special for a child, it feels special and "seen" and grows from that. It also often prevents the need for heavier Health .
Who is it intended for?
Support parent focuses on children of all ages. It concerns children who have a parent or parent(s) with a vulnerability. This vulnerability can have different backgrounds such as mental disorders, intellectual disabilities, physical problems, lack of direction and structure within the household, social isolation or because of other vulnerabilities.
How long does the support last?
The period of support varies, depending on the needs of the child and family and the ability of the support parent. Sometimes after a year, the support and demand parents choose to continue as acquaintances themselves. Sometimes they also choose to continue with each other. Help usually lasts no less than 3 months.
Real-life stories
Read 10 experience stories at www.steunouder.nl.
Want to know more?
Would you like more information? Or would you like help as a demand parent or sign up as a support parent?
Then feel free to email Kerkrade's support parent coordinator, Demi Vestjens at dvestjens@impulskerkrade.nl.