Hesse Youth Welfare Offices See Record Rise in Child Endangerment Cases

Hessian youth welfare offices are witnessing a significant rise in cases involving endangered children and adolescents, a trend that social welfare organizations view with deep concern. Markus Juch, chairman of the League of Free Welfare Organizations in Hesse, stated that the increase is not merely a statistical anomaly. While acknowledging a positive societal increase in sensitivity to child welfare endangerment, he noted, "At the same time, we are seeing very clearly in our facilities that the burdens on many families are actually increasing." In 2025, Hesse's youth welfare offices reported a record 7,650 cases of child endangerment, a 16% jump from the previous year. This marks a continuous upward trend since data collection began in 2012. Juch explained that "many parents today are under enormous pressure." He cited rising living costs, financial anxieties, and simultaneous struggles with mental illness or addiction as significant burdens. Families with refugee backgrounds also continue to grapple with traumatic experiences. Juch emphasized that family crises rarely stem from a single cause, often involving a confluence of stressors. "This is precisely when families need support early on," he said. He expressed concern that preventive services and voluntary support programs are increasingly facing financial constraints. "Yet, it is precisely these services that often prevent problems from escalating and children from being seriously endangered," Juch argued. He also observed a trend of reduced funding for stationary youth care for adolescents aged 16 to 18, and younger adults being discharged from youth support services prematurely, not always due to diminished need. Funding for stationary youth care is primarily provided by municipalities, making it dependent on their financial capacity. Many Hessian municipalities are currently facing severe financial difficulties. "Currently, we know of no facilities that are facing closure solely due to tight budgets," Juch added.

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At the same time, we are seeing very clearly in our facilities that the burdens on many families are actually increasing.