Youth Policy in Frankfurt (Oder): Challenges, Developments, and Perspectives in April 2026

Childcare and Utilization – Challenges in the System

The childcare situation in Frankfurt (Oder) remains a central topic in youth policy. In April 2026, the administration presented the Youth Welfare Committee with the current status of the implementation of the "Childcare Plan 2025–2029." The evaluation shows a decrease in the childcare occupancy rate in daycare centers by 4.1% and a slight decline in after-school care. Particularly noticeable is the dramatic drop in the number of children in home-based childcare, which has fallen from 24 to 2.

Spatial utilization is being closely monitored, with districts such as Beresinchen and Süd remaining below 80% capacity. The administration plans quarterly monitoring reports to identify action options at an early stage when capacities become available. A qualitative-quantitative spatial analysis of daycare centers is being prepared to optimize spatial conditions.

Daycare Funding and Criticism – Risks for Providers and Families

The revision of the Brandenburg Daycare Act has met with widespread criticism in Frankfurt (Oder). The Youth Welfare Committee has analyzed the risks of the planned financial reform in several sessions. Criticisms include the insufficient adjustment of lunch provisions to the legal entitlement to full-day childcare, data protection concerns regarding cooperation between daycare centers and schools, and the financial burden on families.

The current staffing levels in after-school care facilities are seen as inadequate to meet the legal entitlement to up to 8 hours of childcare during school holidays. The harmonization of lunch provisions could exacerbate social disadvantages, which has been sharply criticized in the committee. The committee's position has been clearly formulated: the socio-economic situation must not determine children's opportunities for participation.

Child Protection and Prevention – Rising Reports and Action Required

The number of reports of child endangerment (KWG) in Frankfurt (Oder) has increased by 81% from 2022 to 2025. In 2025, 399 cases were recorded, of which 128 were classified as at risk. 30 children had to be placed in custody, and the number of child welfare measures increased by 24%.

This development indicates a significant rise in family conflicts, as well as increased societal awareness. The Youth Welfare Committee emphasizes the need to expand structures in preventive child protection. This includes a municipal framework concept for professionals in child protection, the establishment of a child protection clinic in cooperation with the hospital, and the strengthening of parenting education.

Another project is the S&R analysis, which must be carried out by the end of September 2026. The Europa-Universität Viadrina has been approached as a partner to ensure scientific standards. With a budget of up to 15,000 €, the analysis is part of the funding for the Local Partnership for Democracy.

Outlook: Education, Participation, and Democracy

In addition, the city of Frankfurt (Oder) is focusing on early educational initiatives. The Startchancen-Programm (SCP) is being implemented in several schools, including the Grundschule "Am Botanischen Garten" and the Oberschule "Heinrich v. Kleist." Additional staff will be deployed in these institutions starting in May 2026 to provide students with individual support.

Within the federal-state program for social cohesion, a prevention project against bullying and for youth participation is also in planning. The project outline is scheduled for autumn 2026, with implementation depending on the budget situation. At the same time, the 19th Youth Welfare Day will take place on June 18, 2026, with the theme "Self-care for Educational Professionals" – another step toward sustainable youth policy.

Frankfurt (Oder) is thus at the intersection of education, social affairs, and democracy. The challenges are great, but the range of action is diverse – and they show how closely the future of the city is linked to the future of its youth.