Navigational Initiatives: Focus on Lighthouse Structures

Detmold's K.I.D.S. and F.I.T. Projects Gain Recognition

The city of Detmold is making waves in the youth welfare sector with its innovative projects, K.I.D.S. and F.I.T., attracting attention at the state level.

The Detmold Children's Protection House (K.I.D.S.) is a model for youth welfare offices statewide. In emergency situations, it takes in children without barriers and provides a child-friendly environment for up to ten days. This approach, which respects the wishes of children and young people, is used approximately 100 times a year.

Meanwhile, F.I.T. serves as a central hub for families in need. It offers a quiet play area for toddlers, a meeting point for parents to exchange experiences, and comprehensive services under one roof, including prenatal counseling and childcare questions. Citizens don't have to chase after administration; their questions are answered centrally, and feedback is provided if an issue can't be resolved immediately.

State Secretary Lorenz Bahr, from the Ministry for Children, Youth, Family, Equality, Flight and Integration, visited Detmold to learn about these lighthouse projects for families and children. He praised the youth welfare experts and the mayor for continuing on the path of innovation in youth welfare.

State Minister for Families Josefine Paul plans to visit Detmold this summer to see the model projects for families, young people, and children in action. She will focus on the family support offered at the Familien.Info.Treff (F.I.T.) and the child protection project K.I.D.S.

Mayor Frank Hilker has ambitious plans for the future. He plans to expand F.I.T. into a Bildungs.Info.Treff (B.I.T.) next door, where young people can find answers to questions about school, career orientation, and participation in local affairs.

However, not everything is positive. The "Parental Opportunities" project, offering low-threshold support and counseling at two schools, will no longer be funded in the future.

Despite this setback, the focus remains on the children and their needs. K.I.D.S. specialists get to know children and their families better, which helps in finding the right support for the child. Children in protective custody due to suspected child abuse can be cared for close to their familiar environment at K.I.D.S., until their further accommodation or return to their families is sustainably clarified.

The Detmold lighthouse projects are indeed shining bright, offering hope and support to families, children, and young people in need.