Youth Policy in Viersen: Challenges, Reforms, and Investments in March 2026

Youth Policy in Viersen: Challenges, Reforms, and Investments in March 2026

The city of Viersen engaged intensively with the future of youth policy in March 2026. With a focus on childcare, funding, reforms, and infrastructure, both short-term measures and long-term planning were at the forefront. Particularly evident was how strongly the city is facing personnel shortages, financial constraints, and the changing needs for childcare.

Childcare Demand and Perspective Planning: Between Overcapacity and Shortages

The city of Viersen has decided to revise its perspective planning for the kindergarten year 2026/2027. The planning takes into account current child numbers and shows that there will be a slight shortage of childcare places in the coming year: 2,273 available places are compared to 2,298 children. However, from 2027/2028 onward, the picture will change: by 2028/2029, a significant overcapacity of up to +219 places will arise.

This dynamic varies in intensity across the different districts. While Viersen and Dülken are still struggling with shortages, Boisheim and Süchteln will experience a strong surplus in capacity. This development is also reflected in the number of children of kindergarten age, which currently stands at 746 – a slight increase compared to the previous year, but still lower than two years ago.

Funding and Reforms: plusKITAs, KiBiz, and Structural Change

A central point of discussion was the funding of childcare facilities. The city of Viersen has decided to extend the plusKITA funding until July 31, 2027. This funding supports facilities with a high proportion of children from low-income families and non-German-speaking families. Overall, 13 facilities in Viersen each receive approximately €38,928.65, amounting to nearly €506,000 in total.

As part of the KiBiz reform, which began on January 20, 2026, the city of Viersen will focus more on uniform funding and the stabilization of the provider structure. The reform aims to improve the availability of qualified staff and introduces new regulations such as 30- and 40-hour childcare hours and an increase in over-capacity capacity in kindergartens. In addition, a transformation grant of €200 million is expected from 2027/2028, which is intended to support providers in adapting.

Infrastructure and Playgrounds: Citizens' Request for a New Playground

Another focal point was infrastructure for children. A citizen's request for a new playground on Waldnieler Straße was submitted and will be discussed in the meeting on March 5, 2026. Initiated by Martina Toelstede, the request aims to provide children in the area with a safe play and crossing area. An online petition accompanies the request and collects additional supporters.

This initiative shows how strongly citizens in Viersen are involved in youth policy issues. It also reflects the social change that is leading to stronger demands for child-friendly urban planning in many cities.

Outlook and Challenges

The city of Viersen faces a number of challenges, both structural and financial. The personnel and financial pressure in kindergartens, the dynamic development of childcare needs, and the necessary reforms in the KiBiz system require forward-looking planning. It is also important to strengthen the involvement of citizens and providers in the decision-making process.

The coming months will show whether the planned measures – such as the provider change in Catholic kindergartens or the revision of the perspective planning – will work in practice. At the same time, the expansion of infrastructure, such as the planned new playground, could contribute to improving the quality of life for children in Viersen.