SOS Children's Villages started working in Germany in the mid-1950s, after the foundation of "SOS-Kinderdorf e.V." in Munich. The SOS Children's Villages concept aroused great interest in Germany; the number of members and friends rapidly increased, and in subsequent years our organisation was able to expand its support to reach children, young people and families in nearly 40 locations around the country.
The SOS Children's Village Ammersee was erected in the city of Diessen, in a beautiful spot near lake Ammer. The nearest large city is Munich. The SOS Children's Village Ammersee comprises 12 family houses, where 40 to 50 children are living.
In addition, an educational community offering social therapy is available for up to six children and youth who suffered grave conflicts within their natural family and need external accommodation. The children can stay in this community for a maximum of two years and the goal is to re-integrate them into their natural families. At the ancillary counselling centre psychotherapy, supervision, perception and psycho-motor training and an educational support program are offered to children, youth, co-workers of the SOS Children's Village and the children's birth parents. A day care centre was also erected on the site of the SOS Children's Village Ammersee, offering a kindergarten, all-day care and a facility for schoolchildren.