Youth Policy in Neuss: Structures, Participation, and Future Perspectives

Youth Policy in Neuss: How the City is Shaping the Future of the Young Generation

The city of Neuss has positioned itself as a pioneer in creating youth-friendly structures and participation opportunities in recent years. In March 2026, numerous decisions were made in the Youth Welfare Committee that will shape the future of youth work in the city. These range from the planning of playgrounds and the implementation of protection concepts to the expansion of participation formats.

In the current legislative period, a particular focus is on inclusion, democratic education, and resilience promotion. Youth policy in Neuss is strongly influenced by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which emphasizes the right to participation.

Structural Security of Youth Work

Neuss offers a wide range of facilities that support open youth and children's work: 22 facilities, 35 eligible youth associations, 175 children's playgrounds, 51 ball fields, 8 skate parks, and 3 streetball fields. This infrastructure is not self-evident, but the result of years of planning and investments.

In March 2026, a Playground Development Plan was completed in cooperation with the TU Darmstadt. This plan serves as the basis for future playground renovations and new constructions. For instance, the children's playground in Selikum will undergo a fundamental renovation to increase safety and attractiveness.

Another important project is the Playground Program Planning 2026/2027, with a total budget of 400,000 €. The goal is to design age-appropriate playgrounds and promote social interaction. The participation of children themselves is central to this process. In the second and third quarters of 2026, child participation initiatives are planned to directly include the wishes of young users.

Youth Participation and Protection Concepts

Participation is a central element of youth policy in Neuss. Alongside the traditional Children's Assembly, which since 1998 has brought together children aged 6–14 with the Mayor, there is also participation in playground planning.

In addition, in March 2026, a new position for youth participation (0.5 full-time equivalents) was established to systematically strengthen the involvement of children and youth. The results of the Children's Assemblies are tracked in a Monitoring List and presented in the Youth Welfare Committee.

Another central topic is youth protection. In Neuss, protection concepts are legally required and must be regularly reviewed. Children and young people should be involved in the development of these concepts to ensure that their needs and concerns are taken into account.

Youth Social Work and the Transition from School to Work

Youth social work in Neuss is focused on supporting disadvantaged young people (up to the age of 27). It includes topics such as education, training, integration, prevention of substance abuse, and career orientation.

A central project is the school workshop "Blitz", located at the Comenius School. The goal is to prevent school failure and to reintegrate young people into the regular school system. The work is carried out in cooperation with the organization Kontakt Erfttal and is conducted by social educators and teachers.

Another important offering is the Youth Employment Agency (JBA), which supports young people under the age of 25 in the transition from school to work. In addition to job placement, the JBA also offers financial and housing counseling.

Financing and Funding

Financing youth work in Neuss is a central aspect to ensure long-term security. The 2026 budget includes a total of 221,746 € for Open Youth and Children's Work. In addition, the city receives funding from the North Rhine-Westphalia State Child and Youth Support Plan in the amount of 391,038 €.

Further projects such as Streetwork (approximately 400,000 € annually) and the school workshops (approximately 342,000–363,000 €) are planned for the coming years. These funds are used to support young people in social, cultural, and professional areas.

Outlook and Challenges

The city of Neuss has defined a clear strategic direction with the Child and Youth Support Plan 2026–2030. The goal is to strengthen inclusion, participation, and the networking of youth work. At the same time, the city is aware of the challenges: social inequality, language barriers, migration, and mental health are issues that must remain in focus in the future.

Another key point is the kindergarten allocation planning, where the Gale-Shapley algorithm is being evaluated to increase transparency and efficiency. In addition, the development of a Child Protection Development Plan (KSEP) is planned, which will enable a structural analysis of needs and developments in the youth welfare sector.

Conclusion: Youth Policy as an Investment in the Future

Youth policy in Neuss is a prime example of how a city can shape the future of its young generation through clear objectives, transparent financing, and strong participation. By offering a wide range of services—from playgrounds and youth centers to career orientation projects—Neuss creates an environment in which children and young people can flourish.

Challenges such as declining birth rates, staff shortages, and social inequality remain, but the city of Neuss demonstrates that planned measures and a clear strategy can enable youth-friendly urban development even in difficult times.