Ombudsman Office for Child and Youth Welfare with 270 Consultations - Saxony-Anhalt's youth ombuds office expands amid surging demand for support

The ombuds office for child and youth services in Saxony-Anhalt has seen growing demand since its launch in 2020. Run by the independent nonprofit KinderStärken, it provides confidential advice to young people and families facing disputes with social services. Requests have risen steadily, reflecting ongoing challenges in communication and access to legal rights.

When the service began in 2020, it handled just 35 consultations. By 2025, that number had jumped to around 270. Most cases involve breakdowns in communication, lack of involvement in decisions, or unmet legal entitlements.

The office currently operates from two locations—Stendal and Magdeburg—offering support mainly by phone or online, though in-person meetings are also possible. Plans are now in place to expand, with a third site set for Halle in the coming years. Five additional advisory centres are also planned for cities like Dessau-Roßlau and regions in Mansfeld-Südharz.

To meet rising needs, Saxony-Anhalt will allocate approximately €387,000 to fund the service in 2026. The office's role remains focused on helping young people and families assert their rights and resolve conflicts with child and youth services.

The expansion of the ombuds office will increase access to in-person support across more regions. With funding secured for 2026, the service aims to address a wider range of disputes and ensure young people receive the guidance they need. Demand for its confidential advice continues to grow year on year.