Germany proposes reform for child and youth welfare structures

The German government has released a draft for the First Child and Youth Welfare Structure Reform Act (1. KJHSRG), following a cabinet decision on August 12, 2026. The reform aims to shift child and youth welfare toward a more preventative, social-spatial, and infrastructural approach. The goal is to provide support closer to the daily lives of children, adolescents, and families through integration with daycare centers, schools, and local social work.

While the direction of the reform is viewed positively by organizations such as Leinerstift and the Evangelical Association of Educators (EREV), experts emphasize that structural and infrastructural improvements must not replace necessary individual assistance. There is a stated concern that the focus should remain on the specific needs of the individual child rather than prioritizing the most cost-effective or system-friendly solutions.