Youth Policy in Göttingen: Focus on Participation, Kindergarten Funding, and Social Work

Youth Parliament: Active Participation and New Projects

On February 11, 2026, the third Göttingen Youth Parliament met and prepared for the upcoming Anti-Racism Week from March 16 to 29, 2026. With the proposal of a summer reception by Tomke and the establishment of a new project group for climate protection, the parliament demonstrated its broad thematic scope. In addition, the "Stolpersteine" (Stumbling Stones) project group presented a report on a cleaning action, underlining the engagement with history and culture of remembrance.

During the meeting, the topic of waste separation in schools was also discussed – a subject that touches not only ecological but also pedagogical and organizational aspects. The active communication via social media and the focus on interviews and promotion show how the Youth Parliament is striving to reach and involve young people.

Youth Welfare Committee: Kindergarten Fees and Social Work in the Districts

On February 12, 2026, the Youth Welfare Committee addressed several important issues. A central concern was the promotion of youth work in the districts through the Youth Welfare Fund. The B’90/The Greens Council Group called for clear and transparent allocation criteria to ensure the funds are used appropriately. The administration was tasked with developing these criteria and presenting them to the committee – a step towards greater transparency in youth support.

Another focus was the pilot implementation of socially oriented work in the Leine social area. The goal is to provide easy access to social services for families and young people. The selection of the main service provider will be carried out through a statement of interest procedure, using an evaluation matrix to objectively assess the applications. The criteria include provider competence, conceptual content, network work, and quality – indicating a structured and transparent selection process.

Kindergarten Fees: Increase and Financial Impact

In addition, the amendment to the fee regulation for day care centers was approved, taking effect on August 1, 2026. Monthly care fees and income thresholds will be increased by 3% to compensate for rising personnel and material costs. The financial impact for the kindergarten year 2026/2027 amounts to an additional income of 17,900 €. This adjustment was approved by the Mayor on February 13, 2026, and is part of the city's budget planning for child care.

The increase in fees affects different care times – morning, three-quarters of a day, full day, and afternoon – and takes into account the cost structures of the facilities. The income thresholds for levels 2 to 7 were adjusted accordingly to avoid shifts to higher fee levels.

Outlook: Youth Policy in Motion

The developments in February 2026 show that Göttingen perceives youth policy as a dynamic and multifaceted field. Through the Youth Parliament, the Youth Welfare Committee, and the funding of the kindergarten system, the city aims to actively include youth interests while strengthening social structures. The discussions on climate protection, racism, and social work in the districts emphasize that youth policy in Göttingen is not considered in isolation but is embedded in broader societal issues.