10. Promoting Foster Care: Training for Coordinators and Foster Carers

The action focuses on two key areas of urban life requiring urgent intervention: the foster care system and support for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Tarnów faces a severe challenge regarding its foster care system. The number of children requiring care is rising—reaching 147 in 2023—while the number of foster families has increased only marginally. As a result, care and education facilities are operating beyond their intended limits, and many of the youngest children are placed in institutions rather than with families. As of the submission date for the ‘IDEA Tarnów’ project, 18 children were awaiting placement in foster care. The most pressing issues include a shortage of foster families, a lack of support for foster parents, the complex needs of children following traumatic experiences, and the difficulties encountered by wards during their transition to independent living

The action provides for the broad promotion of foster care, training for coordinators and foster parents, therapeutic and integration programmes for children, and support for young adults transitioning to independent living. Additionally, therapeutic retreats will be organised to help foster families build stronger bonds and cope with daily challenges.

The second priority area is supporting the mobility and integration of seniors and people with disabilities through the ‘TAXI HELP’ project. Tarnów is facing a demographic challenge with an ageing population—30.8% of residents are over 60, and 18.7% are persons with disabilities. Mobility issues and social isolation are among the city’s primary challenges. The project will provide a specialized transport service, enabling seniors and people with disabilities to reach medical facilities and public institutions, while also offering support for the delivery of medicines and groceries. Drivers will receive specialized training to assist passengers with specific needs.

The implementation of these activities will significantly improve the quality of life for residents, increase the accessibility of services, and reduce social isolation among seniors and people with disabilities. The total value of this action is 1,900,000.00 PLN, all of which is covered by grant funding.