New counselling service for children and young people

There is a new counselling service for children and young people in foster families, homes and residential groups in Berlin.

An independent contact and advice centre has been opened in Schöneberg, which is run by Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO). Young people who grow up without their parents in foster families or homes can find support and assistance there for all kinds of problems, according to the youth welfare organisation. Previously, those affected could only turn to the respective organisations and youth welfare offices in problem situations.

Strengthening the rights of children and young people

At the opening ceremony, Youth and Family Senator Katharina Günther-Wünsch (CDU) emphasised that this is the first time an independent advice centre has been established in Berlin. "This means that young people from foster families and residential youth welfare services no longer face a conflict of loyalty when they seek help and counselling in problematic situations." This strengthens child protection and the rights of children and young people.

Senate administration provides around 400,000 euros

AWO regional managing director Oliver Bürgel emphasised that the new advice centre will focus on the interests of children and young people. "Our aim now is to work with children and young people to find ways to make the advice centre's services as accessible as possible." According to Günther-Wünsch, her Senate Department is providing the AWO Berlin regional association with around 400,000 euros. In Berlin, there are currently 1,952 children living in foster families and 6,389 children and young people in residential care centres.
*** Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) ***