Pregnant with a disability

Assisted parenthood means that parents with support needs are accompanied by professionals - right from the start: during pregnancy, at birth and in the time afterwards. This support is as diverse as family life itself.

It helps:

• before and during the birth
• when caring for and looking after the child
• when visiting the doctor and dealing with the authorities
• when dealing with money and household issues
• when structuring everyday life
• when playing and living together
• when uncertainties arise
• or whenever, when support is needed

The support is geared towards individual needs and is designed to help families succeed and strengthen parents.

In many cases, support can be provided directly at home - in the familiar surroundings of the family. But there are also inpatient services: In so-called mother-father-child facilities, parents and child live together under one roof and receive comprehensive support in everyday life. Which form is best suited is considered together - in the interests of the child and the family.

The costs for accompanied parenthood are usually covered - for example by the youth welfare office or the responsible regional association. An application is required for this. Specialists can help you fill it out. It is a good idea to contact an advice center early on - ideally during the pregnancy. This gives you enough time to plan everything in peace.

Assisted parenting is an important service - but it doesn't always work smoothly. Sometimes help is difficult to access, not clearly organized or not well adapted to the reality of the family's life. The model project "Accompanied Parenthood NRW" aims to change this. It has developed twelve guidelines that provide orientation and show what good support needs: Closeness, reliability, openness and mutual respect.