- Increased occurrences of potential child protection concerns
In 2023, there was a notable surge in instances of both hidden and immediate juvenile vulnerability issues in Saxony-Anhalt. The number of concealed risks increased by 264 instances compared to the year prior, and there were 210 additional instances of immediate risks, as per the Statistical Office's report. Consequently, youth welfare offices in the state managed a total of 6,161 incidents involving the examination of juvenile vulnerability, marking an almost 28% rise from 2022.
Notably, the number of situations without the need for intervention also saw an increase (+27.5%), it was disclosed. The most frequent finding was an immediate threat to infants, who were often overlooked.
Though sexual misconduct was scarcely the motivation behind juvenile vulnerability (97 instances), the statistics office announced a substantial increase compared to the previous year. The procedures were initiated by law enforcement and judicial authorities, as well as by neighbors or acquaintances.
After recognizing the rise in juvenile vulnerability issues, it became evident that family support became even more crucial. Despite the significant increase in instances of hidden and immediate risks, the unfortunate reality was that many families were struggling to cope.
