For us, youth welfare is more than a profession.

In Spain, we welcomed young people into our home as a professional care family and lived with them for several years. Youth welfare was therefore not only our work, but part of our shared everyday and family life.

After returning to Germany, we welcomed two foster children into our family in 2022. They still live with us today and are as much a part of our family as our own children.

Over time, these experiences created the wish to shape youth welfare ourselves and contribute our own ideas. Since March 2026, we have therefore been building our own child and youth welfare provider in Portugal with Caminho Novo. Caminho Novo is growing step by step—with people who bring their experience, ideas and personality and want to help shape this path.

For us, good youth welfare means keeping both the young person and their environment in view. Responsibility, transparency, open communication and reliable cooperation form the foundation.

Valerie Leyva

Management & educational leadership

Valerie is a state-recognised residential child and youth care worker with more than ten years of experience in child and youth welfare. She worked for several years in professional advisory roles in Germany and abroad and is responsible for educational leadership at Caminho Novo.

Richard Leyva

Management & care

At Caminho Novo, Richard works both in the care of young people and in management. Especially in challenging situations and crises, he contributes his experience and takes responsibility. Alongside the educational work, finance and organisation are also part of his responsibilities.

Professionally connected

We work with experienced professionals and cooperation partners and include different professional perspectives in our work. Regular exchange and professional consultation are an integral part of what we do.