Online services support parents in crisis or separation
"STARK – Mastering Conflict and Separation: Everyday Help, Advice & Conflict Resolution" is operated by the German Youth Institute on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs. The platform is freely accessible at www.stark-familie.info .
Parliamentary State Secretary Ekin Deligöz: “ Separations not only have emotional and social consequences for the adults involved, but they also pose significant challenges for children and young people in particular. The scientifically based STARK platform helps parents to treat each other respectfully in separation situations, which also promotes the well-being of children. The online service thus supports professionals and parents in addition to local counseling.”
Developed by many
Experts from psychology, education, law, and economics developed the online service. The portal has received approximately €2.6 million in funding from the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs over the past five years. The specialists and advisors met for an online conference on December 5, 2024.
The platform is aimed at three target groups:
- For couples and parents, the platform offers information on legal, financial and psychological aspects, especially when children are involved, as well as practical training on conflict resolution and decision-making.
- for children and young people , providing age-appropriate support during separation.
- For professionals, the platform offers specialized tools and knowledge resources for professionals in couple, separation and parenting counseling.
Approximately 130,000 divorces annually
In Germany, around 130,000 marriages end in divorce each year. This is in addition to the separation of unmarried couples and parents. Approximately 120,000 children and young people experience their parents' separation every year. The consequences are far-reaching – emotional, social, and financial.
Legal entitlement to advice
Mothers and fathers of minor children in Germany have a legal right to counselling on partnership, separation, or divorce (§ 17), on issues of custody and visitation rights (§ 18), and on parenting support (§ 27) under the Child and Youth Welfare Act (SGB VIII). Studies show that the vast majority of couples seeking counselling first research online. The STARK platform also addresses this high demand for online services.
Source: Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ), press release , December 5, 2024
Family Network Bremen fulfills legal entitlement
The Bremen Family Network also offers initial consultations for couples and parents in the city of Bremen regarding questions about partnership, separation, and divorce. This specialist service fulfills legal requirements and serves as the first point of contact for the citizens of Bremen.
Parents can find support – neutral, free of charge and anonymous
The family portal provides mandatory information and advice on family education programs and offers parents information on support and assistance with questions concerning child development and upbringing (cf. KJHG § 16: General promotion of upbringing in the family; Art. 1 BKiSchG § 2 i (KKG): Information for parents about support services in matters of child development; BGB § 1631: Law on the prohibition of violence in upbringing).
Orientation and mediation for the city of Bremen
The Bremen Family Network provides guidance, connects people with available services, and offers exploratory consultations for various target groups. Do you have a question, need information, or are you looking for the right contact person for your needs? Then get in touch with us:
info@familiennetz-bremen.de Telephone: 0421 790 89 18 (click-to-call)