Basel for Children
Basel has recognized how important children and families are for the city's future. Therefore, the government promotes an extensive range of local services. The city has invested a lot of money into creating more child care facilities for children of pre-school age. Local authorities and employers work together to create family friendly working conditions.
Child care
During the past 10 years, many new day care centres were founded. The “Fachstelle Tagesbetreuung” gives advise on all issues concerning child day care. There is also a network of day mothers. A number of public institutions, such as the university and some of the big companies in Basel, have also set up their own crèches.
Children and health
The University Paediatric Hospital, centrally located in Basel, provides children and teenagers with state-of-the-art medical care. Over 60 paediatric physicians and about 30 child psychiatrists are available. In addition, there is a
network of advisors for young families in all community centres answering all questions concerning babies and small children.
Short and safe routes
Children should be able to walk around their homes on their own as much as possible. Therefore, there are several playgrounds and at least one park within walking distance in every neighbourhood. Traffic-calming measures have been introduced on an increasing number of roads to make them safer for children. The community centres available in all neighbourhoods always welcome families and children.
Kinderbüro
The "Kinderbüro" (Children's Office) provides a central contact point for children, adults, authorities and institutions on topics or issues related to children. The aim of the Kinderbüro is to make sure that children are involved in the planning and design of residential districts, to defend their rights and to build a powerful lobby for the children. The Kinderbüro also runs a small bistro, where children prepare snacks and wait on customers.
Parental education
There is a broad range of courses for parents and families offered by the city. This comprises information evenings, discussions, lectures, seminars and courses given by specialists drawn from a variety of different institutions. The programme is available at the Department of Youth and Family.
Familienpass
The Familienpass Region Basel is a relatively new offer for families in the Basel area. Families pay a small annual fee of CHF 30.- and receive a pack of vouchers for reduced entry tickets to museums, the zoo, public pools and ice rinks or the cinema. There is also a number of shops with special offers for members.
"Familien- und Erziehungsberatung"
When parents argue or separate, or if parents fail to give their children the necessary support, the "Familien- und Erziehungsberatung" (Families and Educational Advice Office) arranges psychological support and therapy as well as advice on who to contact next. There is also a crisis hotline for children.
