Child & youth protection in the district

Every child has the right to protection and support. The Potsdam-Mittelmark District provides comprehensive services to ensure that children and young people grow up safely and with confidence. Find out here where to get help.

A safe start in life

Every child deserves protection and support. The Potsdam-Mittelmark District works to ensure that children and young people grow up safely and that their rights are respected – through prevention, counselling and close cooperation with families and professionals.

Protection from violence : Child protection & early support

Children have the right to be protected from violence, neglect and abuse. Our early support services assist families from the birth of their child onwards:

  • Advice and guidance for expectant parents and young families
  • Preventive services and networks to strengthen parenting skills
  • Support in times of crisis through professional contact points
Early support

What is early support?

A temporary home : Foster care service

Not every child can grow up in their family of origin. The foster care service places children in caring foster families and provides:

  • Information and advice for prospective foster parents
  • Ongoing support and training for foster families
  • Guidance on legal and financial matters
Get in touch

Support & Training : Advisory services & contact points

Foster parents association

The Pflegeelternverein (Foster Parents Association)) supports foster families through counselling and training. Become part of our network and benefit from shared experience

Families for Children

Familien für Kinder gGmbH (Families for Children) supports foster and adoptive families through a wide range of projects. Explore the services and find the support that’s right for you.

Rainbow Families

Regenbogenfamilien (Rainbow Families) in Brandenburg can access valuable support and counselling. Join networking events and learn more about your rights and opportunities.

Training Centre

The Berlin Training Centre (Trainingszentrum) offers tailored professional development courses for educators and care professionals. Discover the latest courses and expand your expertise.

Social Education Institute Berlin-Brandenburg

SFBB (Social Education Institute Berlin-Brandenburg) provides a broad training programme for professionals in child and youth welfare. Sign up for seminars and strengthen your skills.

 

BAG Youth Welfare Offices

The BAG (Federal Working Group of State Youth Welfare Offices) issues key recommendations for youth welfare services. Stay informed about current guidelines and best practices.

 

Early childhood care : Childcare & child minding

High-quality early childhood care is essential for a child’s development. In the district of Potsdam-Mittelmark, families can choose from a range of childcare options:

  • Daycare centres (Kitas) with a variety of educational approaches
  • Home-based childminding as a flexible alternative offering individualised care
Locations & addresses

Support & development : Youth development & youth work

GJA – Community-based youth and social work

We support projects that actively involve young people in shaping their local environment. In doing so, we strengthen social cohesion and a sense of shared responsibility.

OJP – Voluntary youth work, holiday programmes, youth awards, social group work

Volunteering and holiday activities enrich the lives of young people. We support and recognise outstanding commitment and engagement.

LB - Counseling services in youth and social work

Our counselling services help develop innovative youth work projects. Together, we’re creating future-oriented support structures.

Your personal contact for any questions : Who to contact

Become a volunteer guardian - a child needs you!

Some children cannot be legally represented by their parents and require a legal guardian. Volunteer guardians take on this important role, supporting the child in legal matters, everyday life and their upbringing.

Download our flyer to find out how you can get involved and make a difference!

Learn more about guardianship

  • Connecting education & youth services

    State Cooperation Office for Schools & Youth Services

    The State Cooperation Office for Schools and Youth Services (Landeskooperationsstelle Schule Jugendhilfe) promotes collaboration between schools and youth welfare institutions in Brandenburg. Through joint projects, educational outcomes are improved and young people receive better support.

    Learn more about the cooperation

  • Inspiration for youth work

    Working Group for Child and Youth Welfare (AGJ)

    The AGJ (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Kinder und Jugendhilfe) advocates for the development of child and youth welfare in Germany. Through expert events, publications and policy input, it strengthens the quality of social work.

    Visit the AGJ website

  • Strong expertise in child protection

    Child Protection Unit of the State of Brandenburg

    The Child Protection Unit (Fachstelle Kinderschutz des Landes Brandenburg) supports professionals in child and youth welfare through publications and training. Our aim is to improve confidence and competence in child protection.

    Learn more about child protection

  • Research for children & families

    German Youth Institute (DJI)

    The German Youth Institute (Deutsche Jugendinstitut, DJI) studies the living conditions of children, young people and families in Germany. Its research provides valuable insights for policy and practice.

    Discover the DJI

Support & assistance : Counselling services & emergency contacts

Lichtblick Counselling Centre

Lichtblick supports families in difficult life situations. Confidential and free counselling is available both in person and online.

Caritas Brandenburg

Caritas Brandenburg provides comprehensive support for people in need. Learn more about their services for children, families and young people.

 

Protestant Youth and Welfare Organisation

EJF (Evangelisches Jugend- und Fürsorgewerk) supports children, young people and families through a wide range of projects. Find out more about their youth and family support services.

STIBB

STIBB offers psychological and socio-educational support. Professionals provide guidance on parenting and help in acute crisis situations.

Family Handbook

The Family Handbook (Familienhandbuch) is a digital reference tool for parents and professionals. It features articles on parenting, health and family life.

All services at a glance : Your contact to the Youth Welfare Office

Dezernat Kinder, Jugend und Familie

Schreiben Sie uns
jugendamt@potsdam-mittelmark.de
Unser Briefkasten
Am Gutshof 1-7, 14542 Werder (Havel)
Lass uns treffen
Niemöllerstraße 1, 14806 Bad Belzig

Protecting and empowering children – responsibility for the future

The Potsdam-Mittelmark Distric is actively committed to protecting, supporting and upholding the rights of children and young people. Through comprehensive support services, preventive measures and close cooperation with schools, families and professionals, we create safe conditions for healthy development.
Together, we are shaping a fair future in which every child has the best possible opportunities.