Challenges of children and youth work

Social professions are one of the fastest growing sectors of all occupational fields. This dynamic is particularly evident in the increasing differentiation of services, which need to be aligned and coordinated with a broad target group. The increase in the variety of tasks in child and youth work and the associated increase in demand for well-trained specialists can be attributed to various factors. For example, child and youth welfare services are becoming increasingly important as a central socialization instance in society. The demands placed on young people to grow up successfully have multiplied in recent years.

The multiple crisis phenomena of recent years pose a variety of challenges and uncertainties for professionals and the recipients themselves.

Effects of the pandemic

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on young people’s mental health still leaves a lot of catching up to do after many child and youth work services had to close due to the pandemic. The negative effects of the loss of important places of socialization and education are confirmed by various studies and summarized in the following reports. Read in more detail:

IMAG des Bundes (2023): Abschlussbericht Gesundheitliche Auswirkungen auf Kinder und Jugendliche durch Corona
Universität Hildesheim | Institut für Sozial- und Organisationspädagogik | JuCo und KiCo (uni-hildesheim.de)
Kinder- und Jugendring Sachsen (2022): Achtung, Wiederholungsgefahr?! Anliegen junger Menschen in gesellschaftlichen Krisen ernst nehmen

Uncertainties as drivers

Added to this are economic uncertainties and rising inflation, which make the living and learning conditions of some young people more difficult. Through its largely free services, which are available to all children and young people regardless of their socio-economic status, child and youth work makes an important contribution to counteracting social injustice.

Challenges posed by refugee movements

Global crises, above all wars and environmental disasters, are forcing many people to leave their homes. Young refugees are seeking refuge in Germany, among other places, which has posed and continues to pose major challenges for child and youth work. This is precisely where youth work can make an important contribution to building a stable social network of and for people who have experienced flight.

Promotion of democracy

At the same time, the continuing anti-democratic and discriminatory attitudes of young people must be taken seriously and preventative measures must be put in place. Learning and experiencing basic democratic values and social participation is a central educational task that is also aimed at youth work professionals.

Responding to change

Our society is subject to constant change. Reinforced and accelerated by the digitalization of almost all areas of society, the living environments of children and young people are also becoming increasingly differentiated. Thanks to a diverse range of providers, offers can be created for many different interests, needs and concerns. Topics such as democracy education, educational work that is critical of racism, sport and culture, human rights and much more are covered by the extensive field of youth work. However, the pluralization and individualization of lifestyles, diversity, multiple crisis phenomena and unequal distribution of income and wealth, as well as educational and participation opportunities for children and young people, require a high level of expertise and know-how on the part of child and youth work professionals.

IMAG des Bundes (2023): Abschlussbericht Gesundheitliche Auswirkungen auf Kinder und Jugendliche durch Corona
Universität Hildesheim | Institut für Sozial- und Organisationspädagogik | JuCo und KiCo (uni-hildesheim.de)
Kinder- und Jugendring Sachsen (2022): Achtung, Wiederholungsgefahr?! Anliegen junger Menschen in gesellschaftlichen Krisen ernst nehmen