At Jeugdzorg Emmaüs, we always focus on the child or youngster and their natural context. Whatever the situation, we start from their strengths, their story and their needs. We offer tailor-made care, mobile, outpatient or residential, and strive to provide professional, warm and high-quality assistance.
What does that mean in everyday practice?
We believe that youth care support can sometimes be beneficial during a certain period of someone's life. This can only work if we work together and if the support provided is tailored to the person requesting it. That is why we work with different methods for different target groups. However, we always start from a strong common ground: a shared vision, clear values and a warm, committed way of working.
Our approach is based on the following core principles:
- Empowerment and equal collaboration: empowering rather than taking over
We believe that young people and their natural network become stronger when they gain control over their lives. We do not make their choices, but we guide and support them in a process of growth and change. This requires our employees to have an open, respectful and approachable attitude: being present, being able to listen, work together in ongoing dialogue, and believing in people's resilience.
- Evidence-based, in the broadest sense of the word
Qualitative support must also be effective. We consciously choose to take a broad view on “what works”. We use scientifically underpinned methods, but always combine them with the skills of the care worker and the experience of the child or youngster and their network. What works for one person does not always work for another. That is why we always engage in equal dialogue and work together to find the most appropriate approach.
- A professional backpack
Each care worker has a solid backpack of knowledge and experience. They use different frameworks and methodologies. These theories provide them with tools to understand, guide and support. They use these frameworks flexibly, depending on the situation, and always tailored to the unique story of the child or youngster and their context.
- A learning organisation with a warm heart
As an organisation, Jeugdzorg Emmaüs is constantly learning. We like to compare ourselves to a peach: a hard core of clear mission, vision and values, and a soft skin of warm interaction, equality and trust.Our employees are given the space to continuously develop, learn and critically review their work. We support them through coaching, training, supervision and teamwork. Because those who are strong as care workers can also help others to become stronger.
- Organisations are people
Our work consists of more than just methodologies or models. It is a coherent process in which young people, their natural network, employees, teams and the organisation reinforce each other. We want to embody the qualities we see in young people and their natural network, such as self-management, resilience and cooperation. We believe that quality starts with people.Our pedagogical choices are translated into practice on a daily basis: in how we work together, how we provide support and how we continue to grow. Every employee contributes to this.
- Care with vision, heart and determination
Jeugdzorg Emmaüs wants to be more than just a youth care organisation. We want to be a place where children, young people and their natural network feel seen and heard. Where support is focused on real change. Where employees can be proud of their work. And where we work together to build a society in which every youngster and every family is provided with opportunities in life.