Youth Policy in Braunschweig – Focus March 2026

Development of Youth Welfare and Key Focus Areas in March 2026

The Youth Welfare Committee of the City of Braunschweig met on March 19, 2026, and laid the foundation for a range of decisions that will shape the living conditions of children and young people in the city in the coming months and years. Central topics included the adaptation of childcare services, the integration of refugees, and the stabilization of educational support measures.

Expansion of Childcare Services and Financial Challenges

The City of Braunschweig is expanding full-day childcare at primary schools to fulfill the legal entitlement to full-day care under §43 of the Child and Youth Welfare Act (KiTaG). The goal is to achieve a coverage rate of 80% by 2026/2027. To this end, childcare places in kindergartens and school-based childcare programs have been restructured, accompanied by financial adjustments.

The administration is also reviewing the adjustment of the childcare fee tariff, which has not been updated since 2016. The rising costs due to the consumer price index (up by 25.6%) would particularly burden families with low incomes. An adjustment is therefore urgently necessary to prevent social inequality.

Integration of Refugees and Youth Welfare Measures

In Braunschweig, a total of 25 youth welfare measures for refugees were initiated in 2024. For 2025, an "Integration Course" for young, language-capable unaccompanied refugees is planned. Topics such as asylum law, self-sufficiency, and health will be at the forefront. In addition, outreach advisory services for families in refugee housing areas are planned to provide early support.

Challenges in the Area of Child Welfare Endangerment

The City of Braunschweig has observed an increase in child welfare endangerment in 2024. Nationwide, the number of suspicion reports rose by almost a third. In Braunschweig, the number of child removals decreased slightly, but the duration of such measures increased significantly, which negatively affects the biographical development of the affected children. In 58% of cases, signs of neglect were identified, followed by psychological abuse (37%).

The city is relying on early warning systems such as Early Intervention Services, including developmental psychological counseling (EPB), to strengthen parent-child interactions and prevent child welfare endangerment. In addition, measures for integration support for families with children with disabilities have been expanded.

Conclusion: Stabilization and Expansion of Youth Welfare

The decisions of the Youth Welfare Committee in March 2026 show that Braunschweig is consciously committed to a family-friendly, integrative, and preventive youth policy. The expansion of childcare services, the strengthening of integration measures, and the focus on child welfare endangerment illustrate how diverse and forward-looking the city is in addressing youth welfare challenges.

In the coming months, it will be crucial whether the financial resources are sufficient to consistently implement the decided measures. At the same time, long-term strategies must be developed to meet the increasing demands in youth welfare.