Youth Policy in Dortmund: Expansion of Care, Funding, and Participation in Focus

Youth Policy in Dortmund: Expansion of Care, Funding, and Participation in Focus

The city of Dortmund has established itself as a pioneer in child and youth policy in recent years. In February 2026, several key topics were at the center of the Committee for Children, Youth, and Family: the expansion of childcare, the funding of youth services, the inclusion of youth perspectives, and the development of youth leisure activities. The political debates show how strong the pressure on the city is to respond to demographic developments, social inequality, and a shortage of skilled workers.

Expansion Plan for Childcare: 2026–2035

Dortmund has adopted a strategic expansion plan for childcare until 2035, preparing for the increasing demand for childcare. The goal is to achieve a care coverage rate of 60% for children under three years old by 2035 – currently it is around 44%. For children aged 3 to 6 (Ü3), 100% coverage is planned, with 99% already covered at present.

The city plans a total of 6,998 additional childcare places, distributed across 84 projects. Particularly in districts such as Innenstadt-Nord, Huckarde, and Lütgendortmund, expansion is urgently needed. It is, however, not only a matter of the number of places, but also of structural flexibility: U3 places can be converted into Ü3 places and vice versa, in order to respond to short-term changes.

A central point of debate was funding. Due to the reform of the KiBiz Act, funding gaps are likely to arise, and investors are hesitant due to rising construction costs and low profitability. In addition, the co-funding of language support in daycare centers via KiBiz funds is no longer permissible, which financially burdens providers. The discussion also included the idea of increasing rents for daycare centers to motivate investors.

Funding of Youth Services: Rising Burdens and Deficits

The funding of youth services is a long-standing issue in Dortmund. The city is facing increasing financial burdens, particularly due to declining cost reimbursements and rising personnel costs. In 2023, total expenditures under § 41 SGB VIII amounted to 13,230 euros per inhabitant, an increase of 44% compared to 2019.

A particular problem is the deficit in Educational Support (HzE), which stood at 921 euros per person under 21 years of age in 2023. Refugee cases and increasing requirements for inpatient care contribute to rising costs. In addition, cost reimbursements per inhabitant are missing – Dortmund ranks among the cities with the lowest figures.

Discussions on the digitization of the Youth Office and the introduction of the e-file showed that further investments are necessary here to speed up processes and avoid errors. In addition, a structured inclusion of spontaneous helpers in crisis situations is planned, something that has been lacking so far.

Youth Participation: Strengthening the Voices of the Young Generation

Youth participation is a central issue in Dortmund’s youth policy. In February 2026, it was again discussed how young people can be included in political bodies such as the Committee for Children, Youth, and Family. The city sees youth self-representation as a central component for democratic participation. It should be democratically broadly legitimized, politically independent, and inclusive.

An important project is the involvement of young people in the planning of the Westphalian Children’s Center. Here, young people are actively asked how the spaces and offers should be designed. In addition, a code of conduct for the youth self-representation is being developed by 2025, regulating participation rights, election procedures, and tasks.

Youth participation is also being addressed in education. A media development plan for 155 schools was adopted, which makes IT resources transparent and promotes digital participation. In addition, the School Psychological Advisory Service (SPBS) is being strengthened to ensure psychosocial support for students.

Youth Leisure and Spaces: Gaps in Offers and Renovation Planning

Another important topic is youth leisure time. In Dortmund, several Youth Leisure Centers (JFS) have been planned for renovation and modernization, including JFS Aplerbeck and JFS Eving. In addition, a Mobility Hub on Münsterstraße has been planned, which is to serve as a new meeting place for young people.

Particularly problematic is the discontinuation of open youth work in Asseln, which creates a gap in offers for 1,200 children and young people. The city is examining new spaces, such as on Asselner Hellweg or Donnerstraße, to resume the offers.

Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities

Youth policy in Dortmund is in a phase of transformation. Population projections show that the demand for childcare places will increase by 2035, increasing the pressure on the city. At the same time, refugee cases, rising costs, and a shortage of skilled workers are challenges that go beyond mere care goals.

With the "Big Solution" in the integration support and the implementation of the Children and Youth Empowerment Act (KJSG), Dortmund is focusing on long-term concepts that are intended to improve the living conditions of young people sustainably. The Dortmund Card and the digital expansion of BuT funding are examples of how the city is developing digital solutions for social challenges.