Social Work and Youth Prevention in Augsburg – A Month in Focus

Social Work and Youth Prevention in Augsburg – January 2026

In a year marked by increasing social polarization and growing challenges in the areas of radicalization and juvenile delinquency, the city of Augsburg has taken decisive steps in social and youth policy in the first weeks of 2026. The aim is to strengthen the social resilience of the city and to protect young people from risks such as violence, radicalization, and social disintegration.

Development of the CTC Concept: A City-Wide Prevention Strategy

The city of Augsburg is implementing the American model "Communities That Care (CTC)," which is based on scientific youth prevention principles. The goal is to strengthen protective factors in the development of children and young people and to reduce risk factors. A comprehensive student survey in 2024 identified trends such as an increase in antisocial behavior, a decline in moral convictions, and a rise in youth willingness to use violence.

The results of this survey now form the basis of the CTC Action Plan, which is being implemented in several districts such as the Wolfram and Herrenbach districts, Hochfeld, Oberhausen, and Kriegshaber. Schools receive support in analyzing the data and developing prevention concepts. Media literacy is identified as a key protective factor – a focus that is also reflected in other city initiatives.

Radicalization Prevention: An Interdisciplinary Initiative

The city of Augsburg has already gained initial experience in the area of radicalization prevention in recent years. In January 2026, a cross-phenomenon concept was now adopted, including universal, selective, and indicated measures. The goal is to strengthen democratic values, promote social cohesion, and detect tendencies toward radicalization at an early stage.

The measures range from strengthening media literacy and promoting democracy projects to the establishment of support centers such as the reporting center REspect! and the Equal Opportunity Office. According to the 2024 report by the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution, young people are particularly vulnerable to radical ideologies on the internet. The city therefore focuses on prevention measures that address hate speech online, disinformation, and extremism.

Another focus is the inclusion of professionals through training and the creation of exchange spaces such as the Forum St. Johannes. The city closely cooperates with the Augsburg Media Office (MSA) and other partners from civil society.

Cultural and Educational Center St. Johannes: A New Hub for Media Education and Social Work

Another central project is the development of the Cultural and Educational Center in the church premises of St. Johannes in Augsburg-Oberhausen. This center is not only used as an exhibition and event space, but also serves as a central location for media education and prevention. The media education hub "Klickpunkt" is based there and offers workshops, a media workshop, and parent evenings. Topics such as digital storytelling, online etiquette, disinformation, and hate speech online are in focus.

The establishment is part of the city's prevention strategy and combines the CTC methodology with media pedagogy. Funding of 900,000 euros from the Evangelical State Church enables implementation. The space is also a central hub for social work and citizen participation, strengthened through partnerships with the Diakonie, the Cultural Office, and other city departments.

Outlook: How Will Augsburg Meet the Challenges of the Future?

The decisions of January 2026 show that Augsburg is consciously focusing on prevention, education, and social participation. The city is pursuing a holistic approach that not only aims to combat symptoms, but above all to build resilience and democratic attitudes among young people.

The implementation of the CTC model, radicalization prevention, and the strengthening of media literacy are closely interlinked. If these strategies can be successfully anchored in the districts, Augsburg could become a model for other cities in Germany – not least in a year in which politically motivated crimes have increased by 40 percent.