Family Holidays /Child – and Youth Recreation

(V.D.08) Affordability, (V.D.09) Leisure and Tourism, (V.D.10) Vulnerable Families

The family is the child’s first and above all formative social community. In Carinthia, there are many families who, despite various forms of support, cannot afford to consider even a short recreational stay with their children. This is especially true for single parents and families with many children. Families with a health or social indication are especially eligible.

The costs for a one-week family holiday are largely borne by the province of Carinthia. Thus, every year up to 45 families are given the opportunity to spend a low-cost holiday in Carinthia. The children’s and youth recreation are sponsored holiday experiences for sick and socially needy children and youth. This action also benefits families who find it difficult or impossible to give their children a holiday at reasonable prices.

Official Name of Signatory

State of Carinthia (Austria)

Delegation

Europe

Website of the Signatory

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Name of the person presenting the Good Practice

Christine Gaschler-Andreasch

Position/Job Title of person presenting the Good Practice

Head of Sub Department Child - and Youth Welfare

Aim of the Good Practice

Holiday experiences for children and their families contribute significantly to healthy development and a stable family structure. The aim is to strengthen these aspects and to make holidays possible for low-income families as well.

Target Group of the Good Practice

Socially disadvantaged and low-income families are to be given the opportunity to spend a low-cost holiday with their children. For about 300 children of pre-school and school age (age limit is 13 years) who are at risk of health problems and socially in need, the opportunity is offered to experience a recreational or adventure holiday in Carinthia or at the Adriatic Sea. For young people between the ages of 13 and 16, an additional 7-day holiday stay at Lake Wörthersee is offered.

Implementation period

These recreational activities have been offered by the province of Carinthia for decades. The destinations vary and are evaluated and adapted annually. A continuation is planned for the coming years. Consistency over time of the Good Practice The demand has been there for years and is steadily increasing. The Corona pandemic has also led to an increase in a variety of problems within families with children, which is why the offer must continue to be available in the future.

Consistency over time

Due to the great demand and the structures that have been in place for years to handle the offer, stability is given anyway. Financial coverage has never been in question in the last years.

Evaluation of the Good Practice

The offers are continuously evaluated and proven but also new methods are applied. Further development in relation to the different and changing needs is essential.

Key stakeholders and partnerships

Further development in relation to the different and changing needs of families and children is essential. There have been good partnerships with destinations in Carinthia for years, especially with the Youth Hostel Association and numerous hotels on Carinthian lakes. Also, new destinations are sighted and included in the programme. The cooperation with the youth welfare offices has proven itself for years and the needs of children and families are included in future planning.

Link for more information

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Future Goal 1

Expansion of existing offers.

Future Goal 2

Quality assurance of existing services.

Future Goal 3

Further development and continuity.