Corona: focal point family

Created: 06/18/2022, 02:00 p.m

By: Hans Moritz

If the parents argue, the children suffer - sad everyday life in the family counseling center in Erding.

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The district's educational and family counseling center provided almost 800 consultations in the second Corona year of 2021.

The 778 is the second highest value since the counseling center was founded more than 50 years ago. 

Erding – There was only a greater need in 2019 (802).

However, the first quarter was still in lockdown.

In the first Corona year 2020 with significant restrictions almost the entire year there were 750.

The deputy head of the facility, Annette Horn, informed the youth welfare committee: "Many discussions were necessary because of Corona and the consequences, but not all." She explained that lockdowns, daycare and school closures would have had the worst possible impact on many children and families.

"But you also have to say that two-thirds of the children and young people got through the pandemic well."

Horn reported that many parents had turned to the counseling center because they were worried about their offspring - because of psychological stress and fears, but also depression.

"To this day there are children who either don't go back to school at all or only recently," said Horn.

Nevertheless, she is confident "that the situation will improve again for many if everyday life stabilizes permanently".

As a rule, the roots of the problems lie in the families.

According to the annual report presented to the youth welfare committee, family conflicts were the trigger in 473 of the almost 800 consultations (37 percent).

A good fifth (251) showed developmental problems and mental problems.

In third place (216/17%) the limited parenting skills of the parents was the cause of problems.

124 (10%) of the young people showed abnormalities in their social behavior, 114 (9%) were plagued with problems at school and/or at work.

All the same, only about two percent of the cases involved endangering the welfare of the child (22).

When the children have problems, it is often the fault of the parents.

Horn reported that nearly half of the families counseled "have been or have been affected by separation and divorce."

Many came voluntarily, but not all: In 38 cases, visiting the counseling center was a condition of the family court in so-called highly contentious cases.

The intention of the judges here: an out-of-court settlement in the interests of the child's well-being and amicable agreements in relation to the children and how to deal with them.

In general, Horn emphasized "that it was very important to us in these unusual times to create a piece of normality for children, young people and families".

Despite the pandemic and its impairments, this was mostly successful.

Homeschooling, the loss of childcare options, existential fears and contact restrictions have been an enormous challenge for many families.

Horn admitted that the family godparents project also suffered from the pandemic.

"Some stopped because of the fear of infection." Although there are 40 certified sponsors, only seven are currently ready for action.

Ulla Dieckmann (SPD) suggested looking for sponsors in the newsletters of the communities.

Last year, 45 families took advantage of the cry baby outpatient clinic.

There were 17 consultations for social institutions to prevent sexualized violence and create protection concepts.ham