Breakthrough in Family Counseling: Austria's Family Minister, Plakolm, Marks Major Step Forward

In a significant move to support families, Austria's Family Minister Claudia Plakolm has introduced voluntary parental counseling as part of the renewal of the Parent-Child Pass. This new service, aimed at helping parents navigate the challenges that often arise during the early stages of parenthood, is designed to be flexible, anonymous, and free.

The service, which is not mandatory, is accessible through the Parent-Child Pass and is intended to provide additional support and advice to parents who seek it. Family counseling sessions can be conducted via chat or video conference, ensuring convenience for busy parents.

While no further details about the format or cost of the voluntary parental counseling have been provided, it is clear that the service is dedicated to supporting and advising parents during their journey into parenthood.

In addition to the new parental counseling service, the government is also expanding online family counseling services. Over 100 family counseling centers will offer digital support by the end of the year, making help and support accessible to families in challenging situations quickly, easily, and on their own terms.

Family counseling centers across Austria provide expertise from various fields, including medicine, law, social work, and psychology. These centers, distributed across all districts in Austria, ensure seamless access to families in need.

Last year, almost half a million counseling sessions were held, with common topics being separation, psychological stress, parenting, violence, and sexuality. Photos from the Parent-Child Pass renewal event are available free of charge via the Federal Chancellery's photo service.

One example of the many family counseling centers in Austria is the Kolping Lebensberatung center on Liechtensteinstraße in Vienna. Another organization, Familienhaus Magdeburg, offers online-based family counseling, although a specific date for its availability has not yet been announced.

Family Minister Plakolm announced the new online family counseling service during a press point, emphasizing the government's commitment to supporting families and children in Austria. With these new services, families in Austria will have more resources and support to navigate the challenges of parenthood.

Breakthrough in Family Counseling: Austria's Family Minister, Plakolm, Marks Major Step Forward