Düsseldorf in Focus: Youth Policy in March 2026

Youth Policy in Düsseldorf: Diverse Approaches for a Just Future

The city of Düsseldorf has established itself as a pioneer in youth policy work in recent years. In March 2026, this trend continued: numerous decisions and initiatives were adopted aimed at improving the living conditions of children and young people while also targeting social justice. The focus areas included the design of early childhood education and care, the introduction of health promotion at schools, the digitalization of youth work, and the strengthening of participation opportunities.

Childcare: Expansion and Flexibility

The implementation of the Childcare and Education Act (KiBiz) for the kindergarten year 2026/2027 is a milestone. Düsseldorf plans a total of 6,003 childcare places for children under three years of age in state-subsidized daycare centers and 17,783 places for children over three years of age. The coverage rate is at 103.5%, exceeding the national average. In addition, the flexibility of childcare hours is being strengthened: with 2.9 million euros in state funds and a local subsidy of 725,000 euros, family-friendly and child-appropriate childcare offerings are to be expanded.

In addition, the Juvenile Welfare Committee approved the re-certification of family centers and the adjustment of network structures. New partnerships were formed, for example between the daycare center Aachener Straße 9 and the daycare center Fleher Straße 91. These structures enable better networking and resource utilization within the city's juvenile welfare system.

School Health Professionals: A Pilot Project for the Future

Another important topic was the introduction of school health professionals. The SPD/Volt city council group requested the creation of a full-time position at the primary school on Sonnenstraße. The aim is to provide medical and nursing care at schools, reduce school absences, and support parents in health-related matters. With costs of 95,000 euros, the project is limited to two years and is intended to serve as a model for the long-term development of health promotion structures at schools.

Digital Outreach Work: Reaching Youth in the Digital Space

The digitalization of society also affects the living conditions of young people. Therefore, Düsseldorf is developing a city-wide structure for Digital Outreach Work (DAA). The goal is to reach young people aged 10 to 21 years in the digital space in order to identify mental stress, social isolation, and online addiction issues early and provide support.

The Office for Social Affairs and Youth is working on a training concept to train youth welfare staff in digital skills. At the same time, a hybrid approach is being pursued: digital presence is complemented by analog offers. Independent providers of youth welfare are involved in the development in order to avoid duplicate structures and create a uniform, cooperative framework.

Youth Promotion and Participation: The Youth and Child Support Plan 2026–2030

In March 2026, the Youth and Child Support Plan 2026–2030 was adopted. The plan defines five fields of action: Open Child and Youth Work, Youth Organization Work, Youth Social Work, School Social Work, and Educational Child and Youth Protection. Six life worlds – such as school, the digital life world, or participation – serve as orientation for the work.

Another highlight is the Düsseldorf Future Prize 2026, which explicitly focuses on the fight against the consequences of poverty. Organizations and individuals active in this field – for example in daycare centers or youth leisure facilities – can apply. The prize emphasizes the importance of poverty prevention in the youth sector and promotes innovative approaches.

Outlook: A City of Opportunities for Children and Youth

The measures of March 2026 show: Düsseldorf is pursuing a comprehensive and forward-looking youth policy that considers both structural and social aspects. By investing in childcare infrastructure, introducing health promotion at schools, and digitalizing youth work, the city is aiming for a preventive, participatory, and inclusive future for its youngest citizens.

In the coming months, it will be particularly important to monitor the implementation of these projects, evaluate experiences, and make adjustments if necessary. Youth in Düsseldorf is central – not only on the agenda, but in the concrete, daily work of the city's committees and institutions.