15th Conference of “Together for Child Protection” Network Receives Great Response – Recap and Highlights

The 15th conference of the “Together for Child Protection” network received a great response

28.12.2023

“What is left unsaid weighs heavily,” says Hape Kerkeling, popular German entertainer and son of a mentally ill mother. It “leads to taboos and feelings of guilt. Only we adults can break the silence. So that children with mentally ill parents feel that they are not alone.” With this quote, moderator Heidemarie Steffl aptly summarized the main topic of this year’s conference of the “Together for Child Protection” network. The network, which the Trier-Saarburg district and the city of Trier run jointly, invited people to the meeting for the 15th time. After the restrictions imposed by the Corona pandemic, the event was able to take place in person again this year and around 200 participants from a wide range of professional fields took advantage of the opportunity to exchange ideas and network.

Thematic lecture

Dr. Dr. gave a lecture on the focus topic “Children of mentally ill and addicted parents”. Michael Hipp, doctor of neurology, psychiatry and psychotherapy, spoke about the effects of mental illnesses on parenting skills and early childhood attachment development. He made it clear how much the stress of one’s own parents influences children and how it can affect their ability to learn and many other areas. He also gave the professionals advice on how they should deal with mentally ill parents and their children.

The conference program was framed by a performance by four talented young people who presented the child protection song “Komm ans Licht” by the city of Trier and the KRASS eV association. In a panel discussion with representatives of various professions from the medical and educational fields, it was also discussed how children of mentally ill and addicted parents can be optimally supported. A lively exchange took place in which the challenges and needs in the region were discussed and strategies and options for help were formulated together.

Market of Opportunities

During the break, in addition to the networking space, there was also a market of opportunities where various organizations presented their child protection offerings.

Photo: Dr. Michael Hipp, Elke Burchert and Lena Loch from the “Together for Child Protection” network, Trier Mayor Elvira Garbes and division manager Joachim Christmann (from left)

2023-12-28 08:42:37
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