- The Youth Outreach Centre is being expanded - High demand
Counseling is free and can be anonymous: Young people in Hesse can turn to the ombudsman's office for children and youth rights based in Frankfurt if they have conflicts, for example, with the youth welfare office. The offer is to be expanded, as announced by Hessian Minister of Social Affairs and Youth Heike Hofmann (SPD). Next year, a regional office is to be set up in Kassel, and the establishment of another one in South Hesse is being considered.
"The demand is high and there is an increase," said Hofmann. Last year, there were more than 300 inquiries to the ombudsman's office. Around 30,000 young people in Hesse receive services from the youth welfare office, for example, they live in a group home or foster family.
Leveling the playing field
The young people are to be supported in asserting their rights, said Hofmann. A possible topic for the ombudsman's office could be whether the amount of pocket money is correct or whether a care service will continue to be provided. It is about leveling the playing field between authorities and young people, said Miriam Zeleke, the state commissioner for participation and promotion of children and young people.
Since a change in the law, the federal states must ensure that there is an independent ombudsman's office. Hofmann handed over a funding decision of 350,000 euros to the association, with which the work for the current year is to be financed. This is to be secured in the coming years. More staff are to be hired with the money - currently, the ombudsman's office has a waiting list due to too many inquiries.
Increasing numbers
In recent years, children and young people have been increasingly confronted with problematic situations in their families. In 2022, the number of identified acute or latent child welfare endangerments in Hesse reached a record high of 5,600 cases, according to the State Statistical Office. Newer figures are not yet available.
Nearly half of the cases involved psychological abuse, almost as often neglect. In every fourth case, there were signs of physical abuse, and in five percent of the cases, signs of sexual violence. Youth welfare offices are also active in the case of unaccompanied minors arriving from abroad, and the numbers have recently increased significantly.
Shortages in accommodation
However, youth welfare offices also lack staff and sometimes capacity for accommodation. The city of Frankfurt reports that there are sometimes shortages in individual cases when children or young people are accommodated outside their families.
In the regular residential area, the placement situation is significantly tense nationwide, explained the social department. Nevertheless, an appropriate offer is always sought. To address the shortage of skilled workers, an extensive induction concept for new employees is used.
Other points of contact
The ombudsman's office can be reached by phone, chat, or email. It is also present on Instagram. If children or young people are looking for advice and support outside of conflicts with youth welfare office bearers, youth welfare offices, educational and family counseling centers may be possible points of contact. They can also be approached without the presence of parents. The offer of the Federal Conference for Educational Counseling can be found online at bke-beratung.de. Other online offers are krisenschat.de and jugendnotmail.de. Telephone support is available at the Number against Sorrow under 116 111.
The ombudsman's office is a valuable resource for young people in families facing challenges, providing support to assert their rights. With increasing numbers of children and young people facing problematic situations at home, the need for such services is becoming more evident.
