The bond between a child and their parent remains fundamental even in the most difficult times. When a separation makes it difficult to get together, it is important to be able to rely on a safe, neutral space with professional support. Such spaces are provided by the public sector but cannot always cope with the actual demand. This is why ATFA’s Punto d’Incontro was established: a space that has been operational since 2022 to enable children and non-cohabiting parents, or other family members, to maintain, restore or rebuild their relationship, sheltered from adult conflicts. A service created to meet a real need in the Ticino region, it has grown over the years and is now partially funded by the Canton through the UFaG. Medacta for Life Foundation believes in this project from the outset, having funded its launch, and in 2026 it has chosen to support its development, alongside ATFA, the Canton and the other involved partners.
The Professional Foster Family (Famiglia Affidataria Professionale – FAP). The long-standing collaboration between the Medacta for Life Foundation and ATFA stems from a shared vision: the wellbeing of children – who reflect the future of society as a whole – must also be guaranteed by the possibility of relying on stable relationships, trained adults and environments capable of accommodating the most complex situations. It is this very vision that led the Medacta for Life Foundation to work alongside ATFA in creating the first Professional Foster Family in Ticino, launched on 1 July 2020 with the first Family Home.
The model was created to offer a highly structured family-based care environment for children removed from their families or carers, complementing the network of Centri Educativi Minorili (CEMs), which are widely available across the region. The need for care and assistance solutions is constantly growing, and existing facilities and services are struggling to meet all requirements. Added to this is the difficulty of finding new foster families: welcoming a vulnerable child into one’s own family is a significant and demanding decision, requiring availability, skills and a strong personal commitment.The experience of the first FAP, which has now become a permanent service within ATFA and fully funded by the Canton, has confirmed the value of the model and raised new questions that need answering. For this reason, ATFA is working on launching an SOS FAP dedicated to adolescents aged between 12 and 18, an age group for which it is particularly difficult to find families willing to take them in. In a second phase, the aim is to develop a ‘FAP Family’ programme for younger children, aged 0 to 5.
Medacta for Life Foundation is committed to supporting ATFA and other stakeholders in launching these new projects based on the Professional Foster Family model, whilst continuing to collaborate with ATFA to develop practical solutions to the needs of children and their families.
We firmly believe that the aim is to work towards a society in which no one is left behind. Starting with children and their fundamental need for safety, affection and love seems to us the most natural and straightforward way to fulfil this mission. Help us to help.
