Berlin seeks guardians for underage refugees

In Berlin, volunteers are being sought who would like to act as guardians for underage refugees.

In March and April, new training sessions will be held by the Guardianship Network, as the Senate Department for Youth and Families announced on Thursday. Last year, some 3200 young refugees arrived in Berlin. "Many minors, mainly from war zones in Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine, want an adult person who has time for general questions and concerns in addition to legal representation," the Senate Department stated.

"A high-responsibility and highly sensitive task"

Volunteers take care of issues such as choosing a school, helping to clarify residence status or providing support with other personal issues. Senator Astrid-Sabine Busse described the training courses as a good way to qualify volunteers for the work. "This is a responsible and highly sensitive task of great value," the SPD politician said. The guardianship network is made up of Caritas, Nachbarschaftsheim Schöneberg e.V. and the Xenion Association for Psychosocial Assistance for the Politically Persecuted. It is supported by the Youth Welfare Office and the Senate Department for Youth and Families and trains, advises and accompanies the voluntary guardians.