"Children whose parents - for whatever reason - are unable to exercise parental care," says Elke Ferfers, head of the city's children, youth and family department, "need strong personalities who can accompany and support them on their future path through life. This task requires an outstanding personal commitment, after all, it is about taking responsibility for young people who are unable to do so themselves.

At the same time, this voluntary position enables a very high degree of independence and personal responsibility and, last but not least, taking on this position means enriching one's own life. Taking on a voluntary guardianship is a sign of commitment to the future of the children and young people in their care.

The tasks involved in guardianship are very varied, reports the head of the specialist service, and are comparable to taking on parental responsibility. In addition to the legal representation of the child, decisions also have to be made regarding school matters or child-friendly accommodation, for example. However, not all areas of official guardianship have to be taken on, but can also relate to individual areas.

Voluntary guardianship is a great advantage for the children concerned, as the guardian usually takes over parental care for just one young person and therefore has a lot of time at their disposal. In contrast, an official guardian is responsible for around 40 wards and is usually only available to them as a personal contact during normal office hours and outside of weekends.

Ferfers emphasizes: "We are looking for committed people who want to support children and young people as well as unaccompanied refugee minors. The young people should have a personal representative who is particularly committed to them and their special needs." A volunteer guardian should have enough time for the child or young person they are looking after. As a trusted reference person, he/she accompanies the ward on his/her future path to becoming a strong and self-confident young adult.

According to the head of the specialist service, taking on a voluntary guardianship does not involve taking the ward into your home or providing financial support from your own income.

If you are interested and have any further questions, please contact the City of Salzgitter's Children, Youth and Family Department on 05341 / 839-4540 or send an e-mail to berthold.kuhlsstadt.salzgitterde.