I have several years working with foster children with various behavorial problems...also..i have a counselling certificate..i am thinking to support those families who need help with their children to start some programs (recreational,after school,ect) . I want to ask if anybody has ideas about starting such programs here...i live in luzern.maybe somebody or persons want to get together and build something.i am thinking for expat families but really can include all families living here.thanks for taking the time to read....cheers

The swiss social system is pretty organised - you will probably find that a lot of the services you can think of do exist in the local system - and even as an english-only speaker if you are persistent they can find someone.

Do you have university level training in your chosen profession ? You might be able to go through CRUS (Swiss Counsel of Universities) to have your degree 'interpreted' for local recognition or further training...

Personally, I'd be wary using an 'independent' person for such services because I'd like to think that a proper structure would provide better child protection guarantees.

If you are interested in taking things further, there are two organisations that I know of that are doing similar work - 'Foundations for Learning' in Zurich and 'All Special Kids' in Geneva.

Thanks for your reply...One point you make about the Child Protection concerns is a e xcellent point and I was thinking about the fact that I am a male which could be a further problem for me...I n Canada, a person working with children must undergo a Crimminal Check.I would think here they would do the same...I had to do a crimminal check before I got my Visa to enter Switzerland...By the way..I am married to a Swiss Lady...

I have a big dream of working with children because it is a natural fit for me...I don't have a degree but six years working with children and families in the area of Foster Care and I took a six month intensive Counselling program plus University courses(Sociology, psychology,Human Services, ect) and I would like to continue my education if possible...I will end by commenting that concerning families with children , I believe we need to provide proper support so children can grow to become healthy ,productive persons and this has to be a major priority. Children at toddler age can be learning languages, learning all life skills , and most importantly to be with other children so they can learn to relate and communicate with others...Thanks for this forum...cheers.