Mit hjem er din arbejdsplads

Key Points

• The discussion focuses on children and youth in out-of-home care (anbringelse) and their interactions with pedagogues (pædagoger) within the care system.
• Children in care often feel different and face challenges like explaining their living situation, navigating between biological and foster families, and dealing with institutional rules that can feel impersonal or unfair.
• Pedagogues play a crucial role; positive relationships are built when pedagogues show genuine interest, share appropriately about themselves, communicate honestly, and involve children in rule-making, rather than being overly rigid or professional.

Summary

The conversation centers on the experiences of children and youth placed in out-of-home care in Denmark and their relationships with the pedagogues who work with them. Jimmy, a project leader with a background in both professional practice and personal experience in foster care, provides insights. Approximately 1% of Danish children are in out-of-home placements, including foster families, residential care homes (børnehjem), and network care with relatives.

A key theme is how these children perceive their situation. They often feel "different" from peers, carrying the constant burden of explaining why they don't live with their biological parents. They navigate complex emotions, balancing connections with their biological families and their placement settings, which can feel like living a fragmented life. The transition to adulthood is particularly challenging, as the structured support suddenly ends, leaving some feeling unprepared and reluctant to be labeled a "system child."

The role of pedagogues is highlighted as immensely significant, as they are present in the children's daily lives across homes, schools, and leisure activities. Children describe two broad types of adult professionals they encounter: those they connect with positively and those they find distant or overly strict. A major point of friction is institutional rules (e.g., about food, curfews, or activities), which can feel arbitrary and non-negotiable compared to family rules. Children express a strong desire to be heard and involved in creating these rules, fostering a sense of cooperation rather than imposition.

The qualities children value in pedagogues are emphasized. They appreciate those who share appropriately about their own lives and feelings, making the relationship feel genuine and human rather than purely professional. They value honesty—adults who communicate directly and explain situations clearly without false promises. Most importantly, they seek pedagogues who show authentic interest and care, making them feel seen and valued as individuals. This "familiarity" and personal engagement are what make a positive, lasting difference in their challenging circumstances.