Child and youth protection

Strong through protection and education

Children and young people have a right to protection, support and participation. Municipal child and youth protection complements parental education and ensures that young people grow up in a safe environment - at school, at home and in their free time.

What is the goal?

Children and young people should be protected from dangers such as neglect, violence, abuse or addiction. At the same time, they should learn to recognize risks and protect themselves.

The Youth Protection Act (JuSchG) regulates, among other things, the use of alcohol, tobacco, media and spending time in public.

The NRW State Child Protection Act aims to strengthen the protection mandate of the youth welfare offices in the prevention of child endangerment and to support the work of the youth welfare offices in NRW.

What is involved?

  • Prevention projects on media literacy, addiction, violence and extremism

  • Education in schools and youth groups

  • Internal school protection concepts and crisis plans

  • Training for specialists

  • Prevention in public spaces (e.g. at major events)

  • Advice from specialists in suspected cases

  • Cooperation with youth welfare office, police, public order office and counseling centers

  • Participation of children and young people in protection measures

Who is responsible?

Everyone bears responsibility: teachers, school social workers, school management, parents and youth welfare professionals. Schools are obliged to develop and implement protection concepts.

What to do in case of suspicion?

If there are signs of danger, those affected or observers can contact school social work, teachers or the youth welfare office. Counseling is confidential and solution-oriented.

Learn more:

The Bochum Youth Welfare Office and the schools provide information about contact persons, protection concepts and support services.

Further information on the Child & youth protection can be found on the website of the Youth Welfare Office.

Contact information