For mothers, fathers, children, adolescents and young adults (up to the age of 21), there are various socio-educational aids (educational aids) in outpatient, semi-stationary and stationary form that can be applied for.

This can be, for example, family support, care for the child in a day group or placement in a home or residential group. Mothers and fathers in particular have the option of receiving temporary care in a facility together with their child/children if they need support with the care and upbringing of their child/children.

If children and young people are at risk, the General Social Service is legally obliged to protect them. Children and young people are at risk in cases of neglect, maltreatment and abuse, among other things.

If you experience and recognize risks to children, you should contact us (in person, in writing or by telephone). We will treat your information confidentially on request.

In dangerous situations, the General Social Service ensures the protection of children and young people and is obliged to relieve and support the family in such crises. If it is not possible to avert the danger to the children and young people together with the family, they must be taken into care and the family court must be involved. The court examines possible custody measures and ultimately makes a decision.

Children and young people who are in great distress outside our office hours, i.e. in the evenings or at weekends, can contact the police for help. The police will then contact the on-call service of the Social Education Service.

If parents separate/divorce, conflicts can arise regarding custody and/or access rights. Due to the new life situation for all parties involved, which can sometimes be challenging and emotional, a neutral body is sometimes needed. The youth welfare office can mediate and advise the parents.

The aim of the advice is to support the parents in finding an amicable arrangement regarding custody and contact rights and the child's place of residence that is in the best interests of the child.

If the parents are unable to reach an agreement, they can apply to the family court for access/custody proceedings. The General Social Service will be involved in these proceedings.

Children and young people who come to Germany alone from their countries of origin are in need of protection and are looked after by the General Social Service. For example, they are accommodated in residential groups or with relatives already living in Germany. In cooperation with the city's schools and educational institutions, work is carried out on the children and young people's educational and professional prospects. The aim of the advice and support is to integrate the young people into society.