Countries: More money for unaccompanied minor refugees

The youth and family ministers of the federal states are demanding more money from the federal government for unaccompanied minor refugees. The federal government should contribute at least half of the costs for care and support, Saxony's Ministry of Social Affairs announced on Friday. The funds should also be used for young adult refugees. In addition, the federal government is to provide significant funding for the development of the necessary reception infrastructure. The decision will be forwarded to the Conference of Minister Presidents. On Monday, the heads of government of the federal states will meet with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) to discuss the matter.

"The need for action and the pressure to act at municipal level is great. As those responsible at state level, we stand by the municipalities and understand their concerns," emphasized Saxony's Minister of Social Affairs Petra Köpping (SPD). Since summer 2022, the federal states have been confronted with an increased number of unaccompanied foreign minors. They need to be accommodated, cared for and looked after by child and youth welfare services, but also integrated into society, particularly through school, training and the job market.