Youth Policy in Düsseldorf: Focus on Psychosocial Support, Democracy, and Poverty Reduction in April 2026

Psychosocial Support: A Central Focus of Youth Policy

In April 2026, psychosocial support services for young people up to the age of 27 were a central focus of the Youth Welfare Committee's work. A joint proposal from the CDU and Greens parliamentary groups emphasized the need for an assessment of existing structures and demand in order to better connect and make these services more visible. Studies such as COPSY and JIM show that psychological burdens among young people are increasing – a trend Düsseldorf aims to address by strengthening low-threshold support.

Among the existing services are the youth information center zeTT, parenting advisory services, and digital offerings such as the app "Between the Lines." The goal is to bundle and, if necessary, expand these structures in order to provide young people with a reliable point of contact during critical life phases.

Strengthening Democracy: Düsseldorf's Role in the Federal Program "Democracy in Action!"

Düsseldorf is part of the federal program "Democracy in Action!" („Demokratie leben!“), which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth (BMFSFJ). In the city, the Partnership for Democracy Düsseldorf is primarily responsible for the implementation, supported by the organization Aktion Gemeinwesen und Beratung e.V. A youth forum is integrated into the local network to directly involve young people in the democratic shaping of the city.

The long-term goal is to strengthen civil engagement, counter extremist ideologies, and promote diversity in the city. Funding from the federal government enables a sustainable anchoring of the program in Düsseldorf's youth policy.

Poverty Reduction: Prevention and Empowerment for Children and Families

Another focus was the continuation of the Poverty Fund, which was endowed with 475,000 euros in 2026. The aim is to reduce child poverty and close gaps in youth welfare services. Preventive and empowerment-oriented projects such as "Alleine Erziehen-Gemeinsam Aktiv" or the coordination office Heerdt are supported.

Projects like "Fit in Grünau" or the Health Workshop Garath are examples of how health promotion and low-threshold services are effectively implemented in disadvantaged districts. Special emphasis is also placed on the role of social counseling in municipal neighborhood centers, which provide valuable support during vulnerable life phases.

Change of Operators in Daycare Centers: Structural Adjustments for the Future

Another significant step was the decision to change the operators of several Catholic daycare centers for children. As of August 2026, Katholino Kindergärten im Erzbistum Köln gGmbH will take over the care in eleven facilities. This change was pursued with the aim of optimizing administration and ensuring the long-term stability of the operations.

The day-care centers are integrated into youth welfare planning and contribute to meeting the demand for childcare places in the affected districts. The change is carried out under § 613 a ff. BGB and is part of a broader adjustment to changed framework conditions in childcare.

Outlook: Strengthening Youth Policy in Düsseldorf

In April 2026, Düsseldorf has shown with a variety of measures that youth policy is a central topic in municipal development. From psychosocial support for young people to the strengthening of democracy and the fight against poverty and the securing of childcare places – the city is pursuing a holistic and networked approach.

In the future, it will be important to systematically integrate the results of assessments and pilot projects such as the "school attendance teams" into policy and consolidate the successes of the past few years. With an open, inclusive, and preventive youth policy, Düsseldorf is creating the conditions for a livable city for all generations.