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The Kinderheim Leisel is a family-run youth welfare institution under private management that has been providing a safe and secure home for children and adolescents since 1984.[2][3][4] Founded by the Hörnes couple as a family living group, the home has developed into a multi-professional institution housed in two historic buildings in Leisel â including a 300-year-old half-timbered house with a ballroom past.[2][3]
The children's home comprises three residential groups (two regular groups with nine places each and three places for preparation for assisted living) and a foster home.[2][9] Children and adolescents are cared for by permanent, multi-professional teams consisting of educators, trained trauma pedagogues, psychologists and therapists.[3][4][7] The focus is on : shared meals, leisure activities, overnight care and domestic tasks such as kitchen duties or manual work.[4][6] Freshly prepared meals take into account intolerances and special requests to create a family atmosphere.[6]
Of particular note are the integrated therapy services that are seamlessly integrated into everyday life: play, art and equine therapy, systemic family therapy and music lessons.[2][3] A dedicated team of therapists â including an equine therapist, art therapist and family therapist â works at eye level with the educators to process traumatic experiences and promote further development.[2]
The main mission of the children's home is: To create a place where children and employees feel safe and at home.[2] The mission statement focuses on relationship work â before proven methods such as step-by-step plans â because real development is only possible in security and understanding.[2] Values such as continuity, trust and community shape living together; participation is practiced, diversity is valued and personal growth is promoted.[4][5] The management is the responsibility of Svenja Simon, the eldest daughter of the founders, who has been responsible for pedagogical matters since 2002 and has furthered her education in social pedagogy and social management.[1][2]
For employees (around 50 specialists), the following applies: "We offer a home for children and employees." There is an open team culture with flat hierarchies, regular supervisions, further training and the opportunity to contribute hobbies.[4][5][7] As a member of the VPK Rheinland-Pfalz/Saarland, the home incorporates fair collective agreements.[5]
Although explicit sustainability goals are not described in detail, the children's home promotes long-term social sustainability through stable relationships, regional roots and integration of children into everyday tasks such as maintenance or cooking.[2][6] The institution is politically involved, e.g. through visits by members of parliament and district administrators, in order to underline the importance of residential care.[3] With over 40 years of experience, Kinderheim Leisel remains a strong network for vulnerable young people â a place where "angels live".[3]
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