Youth Policy in Paderborn: A New Beginning, Structures, and Challenges

Structural Realignment in the Youth Welfare Committee

The Youth Welfare Committee in Paderborn reconstituted itself in February 2026. Robert Ortwein was unanimously elected as the new chair, with Renate Neundorf taking on the role of vice-chair. Fabian Kröger was appointed as secretary. These personnel changes signal a clear intent to reorganize youth welfare in Paderborn in both professional and structural terms. At the same time, it was emphasized that non-council members must conscientiously fulfill their legal obligations – an issue that has repeatedly sparked discussion in the past.

Sports Club as a Youth Welfare Provider: A Controversial Statement

Another highlight was the recognition of SC Paderborn 07 e.V. as a provider of non-statutory youth welfare services. The club was unanimously (with one abstention) recognized under § 75 of the Eighth Book of the Social Code. However, the recognition was based solely on the club’s youth work, such as through summer camps, training programs, and the “Bundesliga bewegt” action day. Critics, including councilor Renate Neundorf (SPD), questioned the relevance of financial strength in the context of youth welfare. The club has a tax exemption from the local tax office and pursues charitable objectives. The decision marks a new path in the collaboration between sports and youth work in Paderborn.

Kindergartens in Balance: Opening Hours, Staff Shortages, and Inclusion

The discussion on kindergartens remained a central topic. The SPD proposed adjusting opening hours to align with the state-supported 45-hour week in order to reduce financial and organizational burdens. Currently, 15 kindergartens exceed this threshold. While implementation is still in planning, the demand for needs-based childcare is a central pillar of youth policy.

In addition, staff shortages remain a focus. In North Rhine-Westphalia, tens of thousands of childcare professionals are expected to be missing by 2035. In Paderborn, low-threshold offerings such as “Baby & Ko” and “Kind & Ko” are being used to support parents, but staff shortages remain a problem. New offerings would require an additional 0.5 positions for social workers and health experts.

At the same time, a pilot project on infrastructural school assistance at primary schools is being launched. The goal is to strengthen inclusion and reduce individual integration support. Five schools will start the project in early 2026/27, with two more to follow the following year. The projects relieve teachers, strengthen classroom climate, and promote participation – a response to the challenges of inclusion in schools.

Future of Kindergarten Demand Planning

The kindergarten demand planning for 2026/27 is underway. It is based on statistical data, pre-registrations via the “Kita-Navigator,” and discussions with kindergarten providers. A new allocation procedure using the Gale-Shapley algorithm is being introduced – a model that aims to ensure a fair and transparent assignment of childcare places. The agenda item was postponed in the current meeting, but preparations are well advanced.

Conclusion: A Youth Policy in Transition

The February meetings show that Paderborn is pursuing a youth policy that is thinking both structurally and conceptually anew. From the recognition of sports clubs as youth welfare providers, to the introduction of pilot projects, to a new kindergarten allocation logic – the city is responding to future challenges. At the same time, staff shortages and financial constraints remain central issues. The coming weeks will show whether the ambitious plans can be implemented in practice.