Social-pedagogical family assistance is a form of educational support to which legal guardians are entitled when the child’s well-being cannot be ensured through proper upbringing and such assistance is appropriate and necessary for the child’s development. Through intensive support and guidance, it is intended to assist families with their parenting responsibilities, in coping with everyday problems, resolving conflicts and crises, and dealing with government agencies and institutions, while also empowering them to help themselves.

Social-pedagogical family assistance takes place directly within the family and in their home. It is intended for the entire family. The family receives support with everyday issues and through educational approaches to addressing problematic situations. To this end, a social education specialist visits the family regularly for several hours each week. The structure of the assistance is tailored to the family’s specific daily life and needs. It addresses parenting issues, support with matters such as school-related concerns, as well as all other problems and challenges faced by the family or its members—for example, housing and finances, daily and weekly routines, illnesses, and relationships among family members and within their social circle.

Social-pedagogical family assistance is particularly beneficial for single parents who are under significant strain from managing daily family life, as well as for families in crisis situations, conflict situations, and those facing everyday problems. The support is designed to help families help themselves.
Individual goals are developed together with the family, based on the respective resources and abilities of the family members. Goals may include:

• Restoring and strengthening parenting skills•
Ensuring the child’s well-being•
Identifying the strengths and abilities of individual family members•
    Support in managing daily life•
Building self-esteem•
Improving conflict resolution
skills • Support in crisis management
• Improving relationships among family members and within the social network