Youth Policy in Viersen: Challenges, Investments, and Future Perspectives

Youth Welfare Committee in Viersen: Strengthening Structures and Investing in the Future

In February 2026, the Youth Welfare Committee of the city of Viersen laid the groundwork for future-oriented youth policy. The meeting on February 5 brought forward decisions and discussions that addressed both structural changes and social challenges. Topics ranged from the establishment of new positions and the continuation of bridge projects to the discussion of vandalism and youth integration in the district of Süchteln.

Staffing: More Positions for the General Social Service

A key point of the meeting was the expansion of staffing structures in youth welfare. The Youth Welfare Committee recommended the creation of five new positions in the General Social Service (ASD) in the staffing plan for 2026. This measure is necessary due to a significant overload of existing positions. The ASD bundles youth welfare services, including child-rearing support, and serves as a central point of contact for youth and families.

Currently, 17.5 full-time positions are responsible for 665 cases with 738 ongoing support measures – that amounts to an average of 38 cases per full-time position, far exceeding the recommended figure of 30 cases per position by the Community Audit Office (GPA). The required number of positions is 22.2 full-time equivalents, resulting in an additional need of five positions. The cost for the new positions amounts to roughly 428,000 euros per year.

In addition, a half-time position in the area of Economic Youth Welfare (45,900 euros per year) and a position for Support and Planning (91,800 euros per year) were recommended. The latter is particularly relevant for managing subsidies and digitalization projects.

Project Funding: Bridge Project „Wilde 13“ Remains Active

Another focus was the continuation of the bridge project „Wilde 13“ by SKF e.V. Viersen. The project supports children during the transition into early childhood education and offers internships and qualification opportunities for future educational professionals. In 2025, 82 children received support through 1,860 care hours.

The SPD faction advocated for the continuation of funding with 20,000 euros in 2026. The proposal was unanimously approved. Although there were critical voices, particularly from the Left, who expressed concern about the financial burden on parents due to increased fees, the majority of committee members emphasized the necessity of not letting such projects become defensive.

Social Area Süchteln: Challenges and Measures

In the social area Süchteln, there were renewed discussions in February 2026 on vandalism and aggression reduction. A group of around 30 young people aged 14 to 27 repeatedly caused disturbances, property damage, and verbal abuse. The youth office and the street work team are actively working on relationship-building to establish trust and develop long-term solutions.

Another successful project, „Digital bewegt – Empowerment through Movement“, was implemented last year. It promoted digital skills, teamwork, and social integration. Youth expressed a desire to continue the project. The Youth Welfare Committee supported the call for additional resources and educational professionals to ensure the sustainability of such initiatives.

Parental Contributions: Debate on Funding and Fairness

Another agenda item was the Third Amendment to the Parental Contribution Ordinance in the Early Childhood Sector, which will come into effect in August 2026. Contributions for nursery schools and nursery care will be moderately increased. For the kindergarten year 2026/2027, additional income of 60,768 euros (nursery care) and 8,928 euros (nursery education) is expected.

The debate on parental contributions revealed the tension between financial necessity and social fairness. While some committee members considered the adjustment necessary, councilor Pietsch (Left) pointed out the burden on low-income parents. Ultimately, a moderate increase was approved, which, according to the administration, constitutes only a small part of the overall funding.

Conclusion: Youth Policy as an Investment in the Future

The meeting of the Youth Welfare Committee in Viersen in February 2026 emphasized that youth policy is not only a matter of budgets but also of structures, spaces, and opportunities. The establishment of new positions, the continuation of bridge projects, and the investment in social integration show that the city of Viersen is not neglecting its youth but actively including them in shaping the future.

The challenges in the social area Süchteln, however, also show that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Youth policy requires time, trust, and resources. The discussions on parental contributions also demonstrate that financial decisions always have political and moral dimensions. Overall, the picture shows a city that is ready to invest in its youth – not only in words, but also in actions.