Youth Policy in the Rhein-Neckar District: Focus on Judicial Procedures, Care, and Youth Development in March 2026

Youth Welfare in Judicial Procedures: Strengthening through Cooperation and Structure

In March 2026, the Youth Welfare Committee of the Rhein-Neckar District reviewed the status report on youth welfare in judicial procedures (JuHiS) for the years 2023 and 2024. JuHiS is a central institution supporting young people aged 14 to 20 who have shown criminal or disorderly behavior. Since the reform of the Juvenile Court Act in 2019, JuHiS has taken on an enhanced role in investigative and judicial procedures.

In May 2025, JuHiS moved to the "House of Youth Justice" in Heidelberg-Rohrbach. This cooperation agreement between Heidelberg and the Rhein-Neckar District strengthens JuHiS's work through better coordination and networking with other stakeholders such as the judiciary, police, and independent organizations. The goal is to identify and address help and support needs early in cases of complex multiple burdens in a coordinated manner.

Care Allowance and Full-Time Care: Securing Maintenance for Foster Children

Another focus of the meeting was the adoption of the recommendations on the maintenance allowance for children and young people in full-time care according to the SGB VIII as of January 1, 2026. The recommended lump sum payments for the care allowance have been increased to account for rising consumer prices. The care allowance is now €1,203 for children under 6 years, €1,362 for children aged 6 to 12, and €1,511 for young people aged 12 to 18.

This increase has financial implications for the district budget: The funds for the care allowance will rise by €150,000 to around €5 million. The recommendations are based on the latest data from the income and expenditure survey of the Federal Statistical Office. In addition, a minimum contribution to the pension insurance of €56 per month and foster child is set. This measure emphasizes the appreciation for the educational commitment of foster parents.

Youth Support: Investment in the Future

The Youth Welfare Committee also decided on the use and disbursement of the funds included in the 2026 budget for social support. Particularly noteworthy is the funding for school social work with a budget of €2.55 million, which shows how strongly the district is committed to supporting young people in the school environment.

Heidelberg's Youth Agency will also be supported with €306,000, including the provision of four full-time positions. The funding for the Rhein-Neckar Youth Council e.V. amounts to €108,000, while an additional €135,000 is available for member associations and clubs. €70,000 is allocated for summer programs and leisure activities.

Outlook: Integration and Prevention as Central Challenges

The decisions of the Youth Welfare Committee in March 2026 show a clear focus on integrating young people into societal structures, stabilizing foster families, and securing financial resources for youth support. At the same time, maintaining cooperation with partners from the judiciary, social services, and education remains crucial in developing long-term solutions.

In 2026, it will be particularly important to overcome the challenges posed by staff shortages and financial constraints in full-day support programs. The planned unified IT solution for recording holiday care offers and the integration of preventive measures into the "Prevention Network against Child Poverty" project are important steps in this direction.