Ombudsman Office for Child and Youth Welfare with 270 Consultations - Saxony-Anhalt's child ombuds office expands to meet surging demand for youth support

The ombuds office for child and youth services in Saxony-Anhalt has seen growing demand since its launch in 2020. Requests for support have risen sharply, with consultations jumping from 35 in its first year to around 270 in 2025. The service helps young people and families resolve disputes with local authorities, offering confidential advice on rights and entitlements.

The office currently operates from two locations—Stendal and Magdeburg—with plans to expand. A third site in Halle is set to open soon, and further branches in Dessau-Roßlau and Sangerhausen are expected by 2026. Longer-term, the service aims to reach regions like Anhalt-Bitterfeld and Mansfeld-Südharz.

Most enquiries arise from communication failures, lack of involvement in decisions, or unmet legal rights. The team provides expert guidance, helping families and young people assert their interests. Advice is mainly given by phone or online, though face-to-face meetings are also available.

To meet rising demand, Saxony-Anhalt will allocate roughly €387,000 to fund the office in 2026. The increase reflects the service's growing role in supporting vulnerable groups across the state.

The expansion of the ombuds office will make its services more accessible to families and young people. With additional funding and new locations, the team can handle more cases and provide broader support. The rise in consultations suggests a clear need for independent advice in child and youth services.