Foster parents in the Goslar district celebrated successes and new challenges

Foster parents in the Goslar district celebrated successes and new challenges

On December 4th, 2025, an important event organized by the foster child service (PKD) of the Goslar district took place in the “Partylöwen” in Goslar. Around 150 foster parents came together to exchange ideas and network. There were also youth welfare specialists and cooperation partners, including the Elisabethstift. The first district council, Frank Dreßler, recognized the immense commitment of the foster parents and emphasized the importance of reliable foster families.

Tanja Lousée, who has been active as a foster mother since 2008 and specializes in caring for infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), received a special thank you. She qualified through further training in the USA, which enabled her to specifically address the challenges in caring for affected newborns. A concept for the structured implementation of this special care was developed together with the district.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome in focus

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is one of the topics that has become particularly important in recent years. It occurs in newborns who show withdrawal symptoms after birth due to drug exposure during pregnancy. According to acibademhealthpoint.com, around one in 100 to 200 newborns in Germany develop NAS. Symptoms, which usually appear within 72 hours of birth, range from tremors, screaming and sleep disturbances to hyperacusis and gastrointestinal problems.

The treatment of NAS requires an interdisciplinary team that pursues both drug and non-drug therapeutic approaches to ensure the well-being of the affected babies. In addition to medication to relieve symptoms, skin-to-skin contact and a quiet environment are crucial. This not only supports the physical but also the emotional needs of the small patients, which is particularly important in care provided by family care facilities such as the PKD.

Positive developments in the Goslar district

Gabriele Meyer, the head of the foster child service, gave a consistently positive assessment of the year and reported on six new foster families and an expanded range of outpatient consultations. The commitment in emergencies is particularly highlighted, as families are prepared to take in children who need a safe place at short notice.

In order to promote the ongoing search for new foster families, the Goslar district invites you to an information event on December 10, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., in the large meeting room of the district hall. Here, interested parties should have the opportunity to find out about the opportunities and challenges of nursing work.

The commitment of the foster parents and the joint work with specialists speak for themselves and show how important a strong network is for affected children and their families. Support in critical life situations remains a central concern of the foster child service and the entire community.