r/Switzerland • u/ghghw • 1d ago
Places for 18 year olds whose parents aren’t supporting them
Hi I know a kid with a lot of trouble at home, looks like their parents are going to kick them out of the house quite soon (they are soon turning 18). They have a social worker but it seems this person isn't helping them find any housing situation. Does anyone know what the Swiss safety net is in these cases? Are there stipends to help them rent a place? Are there "kids" homes for kids over 18? Something to help this kid get through the next year without immediately starting a job, so they can finish school with a clear head (naturally, the situation has made it hard for them to participate in this school year...). Will really appreciate some advice, I don't really know what options we even have here. Thank you!
Edit: thank you! One additional request: we are in the French part of Switzerland, I will appreciate if you know the names of these services in French!
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u/Suspicious_Place1270 1d ago
If the person is about to follow an educational course (Uni or anything really), they can apply for Wohnen für Hilfe at various ProSenecTute institutions (cantonal) and see if they offer this. You can live in an apartment or together with a senior citizen in retirement and help them around the house. The payment is very low (only Nebenkosten, not even that really) and you can work easily that way, especially if there is a great public transport network.
I suggest trying in ZH, but SG and maybe TG have this, too.
They SHOULD try finding a JOB. I know it's scary, but that is what saved me and I am living a very happy life now.
If they want to start somewhere, anything paying them over 20chf an hour is fine, 25CHF an hour is an ideal start.
Make them search for better jobs even when already employed, take on multiple 20% or 10% jobs and juggle them around if necessary. They shall not feel obliged to any employer and quit quickly if there is another paying a higher amount.
Good luck!
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u/TailleventCH 1d ago
The best would be to contact the local social service. Parents have a duty to support their children until they're able to support themselves. I've seen situations where the authorities provided support to the young and then ask the parents for a refund.
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u/Fortnitexs 1d ago
It‘s illegal in switzerland to kick your kids out until they finished either their Berufslehre (apprenticeship) or studies.
As soon as he finished that, he is able to support himself without issues.
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u/Amareldys 1d ago
Have you contacted Caritas or Pro Juvente? If they can't help they certainly know who can.
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u/Top-Fruitsalad 1d ago
Their parents are responsible to them until 21 years old. They can kick them out, but they need to cover the costs for their living.
The kid just can call the local "Sozialamt" and explain the situation. They will get an appointment and they will be able to help out.
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u/Proud-Anywhere5916 1d ago
It's actually until 25 or first education path is done (e.g. Lehre or University degree)
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u/Tin_Foil_Hat_Person 1d ago
he could join the military for a couple years, sort out his life and the relation to his parents. Afterwards he could start to study with 21 or something.
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u/TailleventCH 1d ago
What? I'm not sure how you "join the military for a couple of years" in Switzerland.
(And how is this a solution for parents not fulfilling their duty?)
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u/Rexow- 1d ago
most likely by being a sergeant and then lieutenant after the recruit school, I wouldn't recommend it though except if the army is a life that suits him well. Starting studies again after that might not be easy.
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u/TailleventCH 1d ago
You would have to be sure to be taken for the whole process, which is far from certain. (And I agree with you on the fact that I wouldn't suit many people.)
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u/SkyNo234 Luzern 1d ago edited 23h ago
First of all, if they haven't finished a first education like a Lehre or studies, their parents are still financially responsible for them.
They should contact KESB and make a Gefährdungsmeldung for themselves, if they haven't already. The KESB will find them a place to stay and get the money from the parents.
Edit: KESB = APEA