Leaving Care INDEPENDA

Leaving Care | INDEPENDA is a program run by SOS Kinderdorf Schweiz, which works with various organizations to fill gaps in low-threshold support for people aged between 16 and 30. In northwestern Switzerland, the Erlenhof Foundation is responsible for implementing the program as a cooperation partner. Leaving Care | INDEPENDA offers support to people who are unable to access the regular system or for whom there are no services available in the general support system to meet their specific needs. The Leaving Care | INDEPENDA service is free of charge and is aimed “exclusively” at those affected. It cannot be ordered or commissioned by referring authorities.

Erlenhof | Stiftung
Further offers
Leaving Care INDEPENDA

Leaving Care INDEPENDA provides young adults and former foster children and children who have grown up in children’s homes in Switzerland with low-threshold assistance with educational and career issues as well as challenges relating to life and financial planning. INDEPENDA is coordinated by SOS Kinderdorf Schweiz and is being set up at various locations in Switzerland in collaboration with established partners in child and youth welfare. In addition to conceptual collaboration, these partners provide operational advice and support to the target group. In addition to project coordination, SOS Children’s Villages is responsible for monitoring the achievement of objectives and providing start-up financing through fundraising. The aim is to work with partners to establish a comprehensive support system for the target group that is specific to each location.

 

The INDEPENDA program is aimed at:

  • Young adults between the ages of 16 and 30 who want to continue their education or change careers but do not have an existing network or supportive environment to fall back on and are experiencing financial difficulties;
  • Care leavers (former children in care) between the ages of 18 and 30 who want further support, guidance, and, above all, accompaniment as they transition into the world of work;
  • Young adults/care leavers between the ages of 18 and 30 who are facing challenges in areas such as housing, finances, or social issues.

 

What does INDEPENDA offer in terms of education and employment?

  • Advice and support in defining your career aspirations and reorienting your career
  • Information and practical insights through taster days in companies and networking
  • Support with education and employment issues, referral to a suitable specialist agency if necessary
  • Financial planning for education projects

 

What does INDEPENDA offer in terms of financing?

  • Solutions if the financial requirements for further education, training, or study are not met
  • Full cost planning to determine the budget required for living and education
  • Joint search for scholarships, provision of collateral
  • Strengthening of skills

 

What does INDEPENDA offer in terms of life issues?

  • Advice and support in the areas of housing and finances, social issues, future plans, or social and emotional challenges
  • Information on rights and obligations in Switzerland
  • Referral to specialist agencies if necessary

 

Further information about INDEPENDA

Oliver Widmer
  • Head of department
oliver.widmer@erlenhof-bl.ch
061 716 45 45

Therapy department

The internal therapy department, in liaison with the UPK Basel, provides basic psychiatric and psychological care for inpatients. It is an integral part of the interdisciplinary case management at the Erlenhof | Stiftung.

Parent and family counseling

During placements within the Erlenhof | Stiftung, we offer parents and guardians the opportunity to seek advice on an ad hoc basis. In doing so, we promote resources and strengths in dealing with their child and in challenging situations during the placement.

Family support

Socio-educational family support focuses on the entire family on site in their living environment. It provides goal-oriented support for those involved in everyday life. The aim is to ensure a return to the original system.

Leisure rooms

Our range of internal and external workshops and courses offers space to spend leisure time actively in various ways during inpatient placements.

In-house pharmacy

The medicine cabinet is an important part of basic health care. It is central in areas such as medication, health, nutrition, personal hygiene and health and addiction prevention.

Time-out crisis placement

With our foster families, we make it possible to create time-outs in times of crisis in order to gain distance from the situation. The goal-oriented support is provided by recognized families on site, who are closely supervised by our specialist staff.

Trampi company daycare center

At Chinderhuus Trampi, upbringing, education and close cooperation with parents are central components of our loving and caring care. We support the children in their individual development and specifically promote their independence.