- Planned expansion of a centre for children and young people
For years now, the Ombuds Office for Children and Youth Rights, based in Frankfurt, has been the point of contact for young people when it comes to conflicts, for example, with the youth welfare office. The office is set to expand its services, as announced by Hessian Minister of Social Affairs and Youth, Heike Hofmann (SPD). A concept has been developed for this purpose and will be implemented step by step.
In the coming year, a regional office is planned to be established in Kassel, with the possibility of setting up another one in South Hesse.
Mediation in conflicts with authorities and service providers
The Ombuds Office is there for young people living in institutions or foster families. It provides advice and mediation, for instance, in cases of disputes regarding the cost of services with youth welfare service providers. "The demand is high and there is an increase," said Hofmann. Last year, the Ombuds Office received more than 300 inquiries.
The counseling is independent, free of charge, and can also be anonymous. The goal is to encourage young people to assert their rights, said Hofmann. Possible topics could be whether the amount of pocket money is appropriate or whether a support service can be continued. The aim is to balance the power dynamics between authorities and young people, said Miriam Zeleke, State Commissioner for Participation and Promotion of Children and Youth.
Independent and not bound by instructions
Since a change in the law, the federal states must ensure that an Ombuds Office that works independently and is not bound by instructions exists. Hofmann presented a funding decision of 350,000 euros to the association, which will finance the work for the current year. This is intended to be secured in the coming years, said the Minister. With the money, further staff will be hired - currently, the Ombuds Office has had to impose a moratorium on new cases due to the high number of inquiries.
Children will greatly benefit from the expansion of the Ombuds Office's services, as a new regional office is planned for Kassel and another potential one in South Hesse. These additional offices will provide independent and confidential counseling to children living in institutions or foster families, helping them to assert their rights and negotiate disputes with youth welfare service providers.
