Building Bridges for Vulnerable Families: Essen Hosts Networks Event for Early Intervention
November 19, 2024
Under the motto “Strong together for children and families,” Essen’s Youth Welfare Office brought together professionals from daycare centers, daycare providers, and early help services at the RWE Stadium.
The event aimed to foster cooperation and strengthen support networks for families facing challenging circumstances, particularly those impacted by poverty.
Sybille Krüger, director of the “kinderstark” division, emphasized the fundamental rights of all children to protection, health, support, and participation. She highlighted the crucial role parents and caregivers play in a child’s development, especially during the formative early years. While institutional supports like daycare centers and early intervention programs are indispensable, Krüger stressed the importance of a connected network: “Increasing opportunities for participation only works through commitment and networked work,” she stated.
Muchtar Al Ghusain, Head of the Youth, Education and Culture Division, commended the commitment of the professionals: “Youth welfare has always had very fine antennae for poverty-sensitive action. The support for the issue from politics is very strong. They ensure that our society sticks together, thank you very much for that!”
Recognizing the sensitivity surrounding poverty, Mercedes Pascual Iglesias, specialist manager of the AWO-Mittelrhein Opportunity Workshop in Cologne, delivered a compelling lecture on poverty-sensitive action in the daily lives of educators and teachers.
“Children and parents easily experience stigmatization from others,” Iglesias observed. “That’s why it’s important that professionals in particular have a keen awareness of the problem. A forgotten pencil case can be an indication that the family simply can’t afford a pencil case.”
Pascual Iglesias provided practical tips for fostering fairness and mitigating prejudice in environments like daycare centers. For instance, asking children, “What did you do on vacation?” (instead of “Where did you go?”) creates a more inclusive space where all children feel seen and valued. This subtle shift in language can effectively counter discrimination.
Dr. Gabriele Schulze, head of Essen’s child and health services, emphasized the importance of proactive approaches to children’s well-being. She envisioned future collaborations with daycare centers to address children’s needs even before they reach school age, ensuring they receive timely support and access to necessary therapies.
The event featured a “Marketplace of Possibilities,” where representatives from various providers and institutions showcased their offerings for families.
These included:
* ASB-Hebammenmobil
* Baby visiting service of the Youth Welfare Office of the city of Essen
* BELLA DONNA, State Office for Family, Gender Diversity, and Addiction
* Essen educational advice centers
* Essener Chances eV
* Essen Adult and Family Education Centers
* Family Fund NRW North
* Health kiosk, Gesundheit Essen gGmbH
* Interdisciplinary Early Development Center (IFF) Franz-Sales-Haus
* Youth Welfare Office – online database family portal
* “Crisis & Birth” self-help group, giving a safer start
* Social-medical aftercare at the university hospital
* “Wellcome” in the diocese of Essen
* Crying clinic
* Pregnancy (conflict) counseling centers
* Social Pediatric Center (SPZ), Elisabeth Hospital Essen
* Process guides from the Youth Welfare Office of the city of Essen
This collaborative effort underscored Essen’s commitment to building a more inclusive and supportive community for all children and families.
How can interventions be tailored to address the specific challenges faced by families experiencing poverty?
## Bridging the Gap: Interview with Sybille Krüger on Early Intervention
**Today we’re joined by Sybille Krüger, director of the “kinderstark” division of Essen’s Youth Welfare Office, following a recent event held to strengthen support networks for vulnerable families.**
**Ms. Krüger, can you tell us more about this important initiative?**
**Krüger:** Absolutely. Our goal was to bring together professionals from various sectors who work with children and families – daycare centers, early intervention programs, and social services. We believe that by fostering collaboration and open communication, we can create a stronger safety net for families facing adversity, particularly those impacted by poverty.
**What specific challenges are you addressing through this network?**
**Krüger:** Poverty can create significant obstacles for child development. We know that access to quality early education and support services is crucial, but it’s not always enough. Families need a cohesive system of care, where they feel supported and empowered. This event was about strengthening those connections, ensuring everyone is working together seamlessly towards the same goal: the well-being of every child.
**How can early intervention programs play a vital role in combating the cycle of poverty?**
**Krüger:** Research shows that high-quality early education programs can have a profound impact on children’s lives. As stated by Barnett and others, [[1](https://www.comicrelief.org/posts/poverty-and-education-how-early-interventions-can-mean-a-lifetime-of-change)], these programs offer measurable, long-term benefits. They equip children with essential skills and knowledge, setting them up for success in school and beyond. They also provide families with crucial support and resources.
**What message would you like to share with our listeners about this critical work?**
**Krüger:** Every child deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. We need to continue investing in early intervention programs and building strong support networks for families. By working together, we can create a brighter future for all children.
**Thank you, Ms. Krüger, for your insights. We hope our listeners will join us in supporting these critical efforts.**
