Completion of project studying impact on descendants of affected persons
The descendants of persons subjected to compulsory social measures and placements are themselves at risk of experiencing a damaging childhood – thus creating a second generation of persons affected.
Former placements continue to have an impact on families: many children grow up with mothers or fathers who conceal their painful past. Besides tabooing, a disturbed sense of belonging or the occurence of violence are common. Some children even experience being placed in care themselves. Cross-generational, long-term consequences of this kind must be included in the ongoing societal coming to terms to prevent a third generation becoming similarly affected. Members of the second generation suffering as a result of their parents' experiences must be given support. Measures could include discussion groups with institutional backing or individual therapeutic offers.
Children and young people are still being raised in institutions and foster families today. What can be done to help them shape their adult lives? The authors of the study recommend, inter alia, supporting children and young people in their systematic and continuous biography work in order to counteract the risks of longer-term and transgenerational damage.