Diakonie sees youth welfare in danger - association at an end

The youth welfare organizations in Saxony fear a clear-cutting in the face of cuts and see the welfare of children at risk. Diakonie and Kinderarche Sachsen are therefore calling for urgent measures to stabilize the child and youth welfare system.

"We now need a political will that is geared towards the needs of the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society. Their future and the protection of their rights are at stake," explained Dietrich Bauer, Chairman of the Board of Diakonie Sachsen.

Staff shortage and overload at youth welfare offices

According to Diakonie, youth welfare offices in Saxony are facing several serious challenges: "In addition to the staff shortage and the overload at youth welfare offices, there is a lack of foster families and other suitable accommodation options."

"The psychological stress of young people has increased significantly since the coronavirus pandemic. We need a well-equipped network of youth welfare services, educational counselling and therapeutic care," emphasized Kathleen Jevlasch, Diakonie officer for child and youth welfare.

Double budget should keep young people in mind

The new double budget must be a budget for young people, they said. Local authorities also have a duty to allocate sufficient funds for children and young people. "If the pressure to make savings continues, we are facing a bleak future."

"In some residential groups, young people wait months for their help plan meeting because the staff at the youth welfare office have to prioritize and currently only have time for crisis meetings," said Kinderarche, a member association of Diakonie.

Jugendring Oberlausitz is insolvent

The Left Party referred to the insolvency of Jugendring Oberlausitz, which had to cease its work after 33 years. It will be dissolved due to insolvency - also because the district of Görlitz and Saxony have not promised the necessary funding, explained MP Juliane Nagel.

"The state government is partly responsible for this insolvency. The youth lump sum, which is supposed to support local authorities in their youth work, has hardly been increased since 2010," Nagel emphasized. Overall, the allocations to the municipalities were not sufficient.