Jugendhilfe

Jugendhilfe in Germany denotes a framework of public and non-profit services designed to promote the welfare and development of children and adolescents and to support their families. It includes preventive work, family-oriented assistance, and protective interventions when needed. The framework is established in the Sozialgesetzbuch Achtes Buch – Kinder- und Jugendhilfe (SGB VIII).

The aims are to safeguard children's rights, enable healthy development, prevent risks, and help families with parenting. The services are intended for children and youths, with some measures also available to young adults up to 27 in certain cases.

Organization and services: Municipal youth offices (Jugendämter) coordinate planning, funding, and supervision. Providers include public authorities and freie Träger (non-profit organizations) under contract. Core offerings include Beratung (counseling), Familienhilfe and Erziehungsbeistandschaft, Hilfe zur Erziehung (assistance for upbringing), in addition to Pflegekinder and adoption support, Inobhutnahme (emergency protection), and various residential or day-care forms like betreute Wohngruppen.

Rights and implementation: Some measures constitute statutory entitlements for eligible children and youth; decisions are made by qualified social workers with participation of parents or guardians. Funding comes from municipalities with state and federal contributions.

Significance: Jugendhilfe is a central pillar of German child and youth welfare, aiming at prevention, family support, and protection, and it relies on collaboration between public authorities and non-profit providers.