Debrecen4U February 9, 2026

Support Helps Young People from the Tóbiás Home Take Their First Steps Toward Independence in Debrecen

In the Archdiocese of Hajdúdorog’s aftercare home, not only is housing provided for young adults, but support is also given to help them continue their studies.

Twelve young people who grew up in child protection care receive support for starting independent life at the Tóbiás Home. “Our everyday life is organized so that everyone manages their own time appropriately. Out of the 11-member community, three of us are currently studying in higher education,” highlighted Krisztián Antal, one of the first residents of the Tóbiás Home.

Within the child protection system, young people who have reached the age of 18 may enter aftercare services. The aim of the Tóbiás Home is to support the start of an independent life. The young people arrived at the home either from foster families or from residential care homes.

“Practically, it is like a rented apartment where they take care of themselves completely independently. They can freely go to school, to work, or anywhere else; there is no educator or caregiver with them 24 hours a day, as in residential care homes, so they can live a fully youthful life,” said Margaréta Tőkés, head of the child protection office of the Archdiocese of Hajdúdorog.

The aftercare home is a modern, multi-story residential building with a yard and community spaces that support the meaningful use of free time and communal living. The property was purchased by the Archdiocese of Hajdúdorog and was blessed by Archbishop-Metropolitan Fülöp Kocsis on February 5, 2026.

Metropolitan Fülöp Kocsis pointed out that they do not let go of the young people’s hands. They pass on to them the outstretched hand of the Lord, and in this way Greek Catholic care spreads, as a young person grows out of a child protection institution.

In recent years, the government has launched several programs to support young people in starting an independent life, including quality education, housing, and entering the workforce.

“Over the past fifteen years, decisions have been made to enable cooperation between maintainers, the state, local governments, and civil organizations, and of involving as many people as possible in the cause of child protection,” emphasized László Zsilinszky, Deputy State Secretary responsible for social affairs, in his welcoming speech at the event.

At the handover ceremony, Deputy Mayor Diána Széles highlighted that in Debrecen, cooperation between municipal, church, and civil organizations is exemplary in ensuring high-quality social services.

“This is not only a home for you, but here you learn values and receive guidance, and be open so that when help is in front of you, you make use of it,” the deputy mayor added, addressing the young people.

For the young people, the care is free of charge; the institution covers utility costs and provides the basic operating conditions.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu