Youth Policy in Witten: Suspension of the 25% Regulation and Challenges in March 2026

Suspension of the 25% Regulation: Flexibility in Youth Funding

In March 2026, the City of Witten's Youth Welfare Committee decided to suspend the so-called 25% regulation, which stipulates that the total program funding must not exceed 25% of the annual grant volume for the support of youth organization activities. This measure became necessary because the needs for 2026 could not be met due to the 25% limit.

The suspension is permissible under § 8 Paragraph 1 No. 3 of the North Rhine-Westphalia Juvenile Welfare Act (AG-KJHG NW), as youth welfare planning must remain flexible. The aim is to ensure planning security for applicants and to approve funding for 2026. The decision also reflects the findings of the demand assessment for the upcoming Children and Youth Funding Plan.

World Children's Day: Staff Support in Planning

The World Children's Day in Witten is an established and successful offering for families. In 2025, however, the Youth Office and the Youth Council reached their personnel limits. In addition, stricter safety regulations led to additional workload for the event.

To address future challenges, a feasibility request is being submitted to examine additional staff support. This support should cover safety concepts, permits, and other organizational aspects. The City Marketing and Cultural Forum are to be involved in the support. The Youth Welfare Committee discussed these issues on 04.03.2026 and plans concrete measures for the future.

Expansion of Kindergarten Places: Structural Challenges

Another important topic was the expansion of kindergarten places in Witten. For the kindergarten year 2026/2027, a total of 3,452 kindergarten places (758 under-3 places and 2,694 over-3 places) and 275 day care places are planned. In particular, the districts of Annen, Bommern, and Herbede have specific numbers for under-3 and over-3 places, with some institutions already planning renovation measures.

For example, the Protestant Kindergarten Christuskirche will be expanded from three to six groups, which is due to increasing demand and demographic developments. At the same time, the occupancy of places is highlighted: In some groups, the occupancy rate is 100%, in others even 200%. This shows that the capacities in many institutions are already fully occupied or even exceeded.

Outlook: Youth Policy in Witten 2026 and Beyond

The decisions in March 2026 show that Witten is actively addressing the challenges of youth and family policy. The suspension of the 25% regulation is a step toward better support for youth organization activities, while the planning for the World Children's Day and the expansion of kindergarten places aim for long-term solutions.

In the future, it will depend on how well the city can cope with increasing demand and limited resources. The cooperation with providers, parent initiatives, and municipal partners will be crucial. In addition, safety and organizational issues in large events such as the World Children's Day must be further professionalized to ensure quality and safety for all participants.