Refuge Provided for a Short Stay

In the heart of Wuppertal, Diakonie Wuppertal's residential groups provide a safe and nurturing environment for 58 children and young people aged between six and 21. These residential groups are far from the traditional image of a "children's home." Instead, they are filled with laughter, fun, and the vibrant energy of youth.

Each residential group houses no more than nine children or young people, ensuring a close-knit and supportive community. The organisation receives calls not just from within the city and region, but from beyond, such as the day when three siblings were in desperate need of a safe place to call home.

Silke Angenendt, who heads the department for (semi-)residential educational support at Diakonie Wuppertal Children, Youth, Family gGmbH, was the one who gave the green light for the three children to stay at the residential groups.

The organisation's stationary children and youth welfare services provide "educational support" as required by law. This includes advocating for adolescents to receive necessary and legally prescribed support for young adults. The educators pay close attention to the children and never tire of truly perceiving them, ensuring that the offers at the residential groups are tailored to the individual needs of each child or young person.

The day starts with breakfast and packed lunches at the residential groups. Vacation trips, colorful activities, and the establishment of their own children and youth parliament are just some of the offers that make life at the residential groups enjoyable and fulfilling. Therapy is also provided for the children and young people, offering them the support they need to overcome their challenges.

Disagreements and bad days occur, but the children and young people support each other and help each other through. Independence is a key concept in the residential groups, with household tasks and competency training provided to prepare them for adulthood. Some young residents return home after some time, while others grow up in the residential groups and move into supported living at the age of 16.

There is a great need for more residential group offers for youth welfare offices. This need is especially apparent when one considers that many of the children and young people living at Diakonie Wuppertal's residential groups do not know reliability from home. The residential groups provide a sanctuary, a place where they can sleep, eat, and receive the care they need to thrive.

The organisation that took in the three siblings in a secure shelter after they had to flee their home situation is not explicitly named in the available search results. However, their story is a testament to the vital work that Diakonie Wuppertal's residential groups do in providing a safe environment for vulnerable children and young people.