Assistance from the Youth Welfare Office
Here you will find an overview of the most important support and protection services offered by the Youth Welfare Office for children, adolescents, and families. These include assistance with parenting issues, support for young people with disabilities, and measures to protect children in difficult life situations. Click on the individual topic areas to learn more about the respective services and programs.
Educational Support Services
Parents are generally responsible for the upbringing and care of their children. If families need support in this regard, the Youth Welfare Office can offer various forms of assistance, such as parenting counseling, family support, or out-of-home care. The assistance is planned in collaboration with the parents and is always based on the best interests and needs of the child or adolescent.
Integration Assistance for Children and Adolescents
Children and adolescents with a mental disability or at risk of developing one may receive integration assistance if their participation in social life is limited. This includes, for example, mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, autism, or ADHD. The goal of this support is to enable young people to lead as self-determined a life as possible and to promote their participation in school, family life, and leisure activities. The support can be provided, for example, in the form of school support, at day or residential facilities, or in a foster family.
Procedural Guide
Procedural guides provide independent and free advice to young people with disabilities up to age 27 and their families. They offer support with questions regarding integration assistance and youth services, help with applications, and, upon request, accompany individuals to meetings with government agencies. The goal is to facilitate access to appropriate support services.
Risk to the Child's Well-Being
If a child’s physical, emotional, or mental well-being is at risk and the parents are unable or unwilling to avert the danger, the family court may intervene. The Youth Welfare Office notifies the court if there are indications that a child’s well-being is at risk. In such cases, only those aspects of custody necessary to protect the child are restricted.
Taking into Custody
Taking a child into custody is an immediate protective measure taken by the Youth Welfare Office in acute crises or dangerous situations. The child or adolescent is temporarily placed in a safe location, such as with an emergency foster family or in a facility. The goal is to provide protection and, together with all parties involved, find a suitable solution for the child’s ongoing care.