Low-Threshold Family Development in Rural Areas

Extremely positive experience has been gained with a well-tried approach, already evaluated by the DJI, that is used in urban settings in the preventive play and support programme called ‘Opstapje’. The German Red Cross Association for the state of Lower Saxony, along with the DJI’s experts involved in the programme, is planning to adapt this approach to rural areas and areas with weak infrastructure. The aim is to provide preventive support – in these sociogeographic contexts as well – for disadvantaged families, with or without an immigrant background, that have poor access to education, and to promote children’s development in these families. With assistance and advice from the experts involved, this further-developed approach will be implemented and tested in practice. Transferability of the project results will be ensured by providing a practical booklet on ‘Low-threshold family development and support for young children in rural and infrastructure-poor areas’.