A Viennese foster father fights for a better future for his son Paul!

A Viennese foster father fights for a better future for his son Paul!

A Viennese boy shows that there are bright spots even in stormy times. The case of Paul (name changed) and his foster father Marc Bombeke is a touching example of how foster families can not only offer a roof over one's head, but also concentrated joy of life and support. Bombeke, who previously worked as a transportation captain at Netflix, decided to become a foster father with his wife after his retirement. The family's history is marked by challenges and successes that reflect many of the hardships and fears in society.

Paul was taken in as a foster child after his birth mother, who was overwhelmed with raising him, needed support. She was just 21 years old when she became a mother. Bombeke and his wife completed a six-month course to prepare for the emotional and physical needs of foster children. Despite the turbulent early days, during which Paul had explosive outbursts of anger, the couple managed to develop strategies to overcome these challenges. What is particularly noteworthy is that Paul had great difficulty with physical intimacy until he was six years old.

A path full of hurdles

The challenges that foster children like Paul often present cannot be underestimated. Studies such as Ärzteblatt report that many foster children have had traumatic experiences in their family of origin, often characterized by alcohol, drugs and violence. The number of people being taken into care in Germany has increased alarmingly, and the need for suitable foster families is constantly growing. This shows how important the role of foster parents is in society.

In Paul's case there was also the challenge that he was originally supposed to return to his birth mother when he was seven. This could have had fatal consequences for Paul. But Bombeke and his wife successfully fought for Paul to be able to stay with them and to be allowed to visit his birth mother once a month. These visits are critical to Paul's development; According to Walters, it takes a delicate hand to create the contact.

A call for support

Bombeke reports on the prejudices that foster children are often exposed to and advocates for a positive view of foster families. He emphasizes that Paul remains calm and creative in crisis situations and interacts excellently with his peers. This inner strength shows how important a stable and supportive environment is for the development of foster children.

In order to improve the situation of foster children and parents, comprehensive preparation and support is required, as the Ärzteblatt emphasizes. Bombeke recommends others to become foster parents and describes the task as extremely meaningful. There will also be an online information evening in Vienna on November 13th to help find long-term foster parents, a step that is urgently needed.

At a time when society continues to hear sad stories about children in foster care, Paul's case reminds us that love and support are crucial. Foster parents like Marc Bombeke and his wife ensure that children can experience a feeling of home and security, even if the circumstances are not perfect.