Youth Policy in Cottbus: Challenges, Structures, and Developments in April 2026

Youth Policy in Cottbus: Structures, Debates, and Perspectives

In April 2026, Cottbus engaged intensively with youth policy topics. Whether it was the Kita Parent Council elections, school social work, or the composition of the Youth Welfare Committee – the debates revealed a wide range of challenges, but also opportunities for the future of youth support. This deep-dive highlights the most significant developments in April 2026.

Kita Parent Council Election: Legality and Need for Reform

The 2025 Kita Parent Council election in Cottbus was marked by inconsistencies and irregularities, leading to two cancelled election meetings. An internal review of the election process was announced, and the MIB/ZSC faction questioned the legality of the process.

A central point is that the municipal administration is not responsible for conducting the election – this lies with the Parent Council itself. The review of legality and the preparation of a new election also rest with the parents.

The structure of the Parent Council is clearly defined: it is composed of parents whose children are cared for in daycare centers or in childcare in Cottbus. Its task is to represent the interests of parents in daycare and to provide advisory input on key issues such as quality development, staff retention, and demand planning.

The debates surrounding the 2025 election show how sensitive and important the participation of parents in daycare is. It remains to be seen how the Parent Council will deal with these challenges and whether structural reforms will be necessary.

Youth Welfare Committee: Personnel and Structural Adjustments

Several meetings and decisions regarding the Youth Welfare Committee took place in April 2026. Following a proposal from the Unser Cottbus/FDP faction, members were relieved of their duties and new appointments were made. For example, Sarah Ostrowski was appointed as a new voting member, while Matthias Boddeutsch temporarily replaced Ron Radlow. In addition, the City Sports Association named Susann Elker as an advisory member.

These personnel changes reflect an ongoing process of adaptation necessary to sustain the work of the Youth Welfare Committee. At the same time, the Parent Council remains present in the committees as an advisory member – a key aspect for the participation of parents and young people.

School Social Work: Needs, Funding, and Future Perspectives

Another central topic was the future of school social work in Cottbus. The current staffing level stands at 31 full-time equivalents (FTEs), while the calculated total demand is 42 FTEs. Due to a pending connectivity lawsuit, it is recommended to continue school social work on the basis of the current 31 FTEs until a decision is reached.

The city also plans to use Startchances funding specifically to strengthen work at eleven schools. At the same time, discussions are ongoing about how an impact analysis could be structured in three levels (output, outcome, impact). A specialist day on "Outcome Orientation" is planned for 2026, which will address the evaluation of school social work.

The debates show that staffing and funding in school social work are sensitive issues. A reduction in staff is considered neither professionally nor legally justifiable, while an immediate expansion to 42 FTEs is not recommended. The challenge, therefore, is to use the existing staff as efficiently as possible without neglecting the need.

Conclusion: Stability, Reform, and Participation

April 2026 has shown in Cottbus that youth policy is a complex and multifaceted field. The debates surrounding the Kita Parent Council election, the composition of the Youth Welfare Committee, and the future of school social work show that there are both structural and personnel challenges.

At the same time, it becomes clear that the participation of parents, young people, and organizations plays a central role. Whether through the Parent Council, the Youth Welfare Committee, or school social work – the work in Cottbus is characterized by the will to represent the interests of young people and to address reforms that ensure the future of youth support.

The coming months will show whether the debates lead to concrete measures – and whether Cottbus can further develop its youth policy towards a sustainable, inclusive, and participatory structure.