Treatment Programs

SUNSHINE uses recognized forms of therapy such as social therapy, ergo therapy and adventure pedagogic. These therapies form the basis for the work with the children and help to develop their self-esteem. Children learn to adjust and correct their behavioural and thinking patterns as well as emotional reactions. At SUNSHINE we concentrate on interactive communication and on qualities such as empathy, honesty, and the ability to understand and express feelings. Group therapy takes place weekly in meetings called the "Parliament", which pursue therapeutic as well as organizational aims. In the meetings, the children and the educationalists discuss everyday situations, conflicts and tensions, plan weekly activities and prepare recreational activities.

In Workshops and the garden, kids work under care and guidance. As a rule, the concept of "work" is a negative concept to the children. The educationalist for handicraft - who organizes the handicrafts and supervises the children aims to convey to the children the pleasure of doing handicrafts and attempts to teach them new skills. As a secondary aim the educationalist prepares children for later vocational training. The following types of handicraft are available at SUNSHINE: woodwork, metalwork, bicycle and motorcycle workshop, candle studio, sewing workshop.

SUNSHINE also uses and applies adventure pedagogic as integral part of its educational process. The aim is to set a counterpole to the negative experiences the children made in their past. It is meant not simply as a tool against boredom. It helps children to develop characteristics such as self-initiative, spontaneity and creativity; it builds up self-confidence and self-esteem; and it highlights the importance of decision making and the consequences of decisions. The child learns to act within a team and to solve diverse problems with others; he or she learns to cope with new situations that constantly arise. The following sports and activities can be pursued at the children's centre SUNSHINE: hiking, biking, canoeing, climbing, Robinson camps (island or forest), orientation courses, or paragliding.

SUNSHINE only employs trained educationalists who have received additional in-house training at SUNSHINE.

After a child has been admitted to SUNSHINE, his or her residence involves three stages

1.	Evaluation phase: The general situation of a child is verified. A medical examination to assist the physical recuperation of the child is initiated and the child's legal status is determined.
2.	Advanced phase: During this phase the aims that were formulated in the evaluation phase are pursued. Regular observations and discussions with the child are conducted to watch his development process.
3.	Transferral phase: The residence of a child at SUNSHINE is in principal ended when the aim - that a child is able to cope with life on its own - can be ensured, or when a child can return to its own family or can join a foster (adoptive) family. In all cases, the departure is prepared carefully in discussions with the child about his or her future. In the case where a child is able to live on his or her own, they are assisted in finding accommodations and a job. Those who have left the center are visited regularly by one of the educationalists and, if necessary, are given advice and support to help them cope with everyday life.