Criticism of youth welfare spending: District office should rethink!

Criticism of youth welfare spending: District office should rethink!

A heated debate has broken out in Vogtland about the rising costs of child and youth welfare. The district has recently spent 72.6 million euros to support the needs of children, young people and their families. But Maik Friedrich, head of the Vogtlandkreis Youth Association, expresses his concerns as to whether this money is actually flowing into the right channels. He calls for a paradigm shift in the district council in order to sustainably improve the situation freipresse.de reported.

Maik Friedrich is no stranger to the scene: With his association for open youth work, he has established a well-functioning network of youth clubs in the north of Vogtland. Even in remote villages where there is usually a lack of youth work, his mobile youth work brings a breath of fresh air and opportunities for young people.

The offer in detail

In Reichenbach, young people receive a variety of attractive offers. Whether in the “Lila Pause” children’s and youth center or in the “Moskito” meeting place, the leisure activities are as diverse as they are exciting. Themed games, sports activities such as swimming and horse riding and creative design activities are on the program. The facilities also include the “Atlantis” children’s and youth center and the “Jam” center, both of which also rely on a mobile approach to reach children and young people who do not live in the city. Further information is available on the city's website, as below Reichenbach-Vogtland.de to find.

Elin Wolf, team coordinator for the city's youth facilities, is the contact person for all questions about mobile youth work in Reichenbach. The numbers speak their own language: The facilities offer a wide range of leisure activities to offer young people meaningful leisure activities, both creatively and sportily. Everything is on offer, from craft and cooking activities to holiday programs with overnight camps.

Background to financing

Another important aspect that is fueling the discussion about youth welfare in Vogtland is financing. Since the Child and Youth Welfare Act was passed in 1989, the regulations have changed significantly. Youth welfare facilities and services are usually financed through grants, with public youth welfare funding determining the amount of funding. Carriers often have to make an “appropriate contribution” of their own, which varies depending on the sponsor. This information provides kinder-jugendhilfe.info.

Developments since 2021 show that bilateral contractual relationships between public and independent providers are now possible, which is seen as a step in the right direction. Low-threshold access to help is also planned, so that some outpatient services can be used immediately without making individual decisions, which is a relief for many of those affected.

Despite the intensive efforts, the question of whether the funds used reach the right places remains essential. Maik Friedrich's voice is strengthening in the discourse as he advocates for necessary changes to sustainably improve youth welfare in Vogtland.