Guardianship & Custody Coordination Centre
Voluntary guardianship / guardianship - what is it?
A guardian is the legal representative of a minor who assumes responsibility for the child or young person instead of the parents. If only part of the legal responsibility is taken away from the parents, a guardianship is ordered.
As the legal representative of the minor, you decide independently on everything that parents normally decide. This includes, for example, areas such as the right to determine the child's place of residence, health care, the right to apply for assistance for the child and asset management. You are at the minor's side, provide support in all important areas of life and stand up for their interests.
The aim is to create a good living situation, taking into account the interests of the minor, so that they can make a successful start to their later independent life. Regular contact with the underage child or young person is essential in order to build up a relationship of trust and a personal relationship.
Who can become an honorary guardian?
A suitable adult can be appointed as an honorary guardian by the court. These can be relatives, foster parents or volunteers.
Carers of the child or young person in the home may not become guardians.
What requirements do I need to fulfil?
- The time to familiarise yourself with the individual situation of a young person and to take care of such a responsible task,
- Reliability, empathy and patience in order to build a personal relationship with the minor,
- Willingness to co-operate,
- the ability to seek help in good time in the event of difficulties and questions,
- the willingness to deal with administration and authorities and
- the willingness to undergo further training.
Legal and pedagogical knowledge is not a requirement. You also do not have to take in the minor in your own household.
How do I become a volunteer guardian?
Please contact the coordinator for guardianships / trusteeships of the specialised service for youth and family of the Salzland district by phone or e-mail.
In a non-binding, personal introductory meeting, they can answer all your questions about taking on a voluntary guardianship/custody and you will have the opportunity to discuss your own motivation, ideas and possible limitations. If you are interested, you will receive a questionnaire which can be submitted as an application together with the required documents. On this basis, a decision will be made as to whether taking on a guardianship is the right voluntary position for you.
What do we offer you?
- Preparation for your role as a volunteer guardian,
- continuous monitoring of your activity and
- Support through training, information, counselling and regular offers.
On application, you can receive a lump sum from the competent court for the expenses associated with your work. The coordinator of the specialised service for youth and family of the Salzland district will be happy to support you.
FAQs
How much time do I need to plan for a voluntary guardianship?
The time required is very individual and depends on the needs of the minor.
At least one face-to-face meeting per month is mandatory. As this is a voluntary position and a relationship of trust must be established, it makes sense to offer additional contacts. On average, around 10 hours per month are realistic. In the familiarisation phase at the beginning of the voluntary guardianship and in difficult times, the time required may be higher.
What do I do if I encounter difficulties during the guardianship?
If you have any questions or difficulties, the Coordination Centre of the Youth and Family Service of the Salzland District is there to help and advise you.
How long does a guardianship last?
Voluntary guardianship or guardianship ends either when the child reaches the age of majority or when the court dismisses them.
Most guardians also provide support beyond this on a voluntary basis.