What does the Jugendamt do?

The Jugendamt is the local authority for child and youth welfare: childcare (Kita vouchers), parenting counselling, upbringing assistance, foster children, adoption placement, legal advisership, maintenance calculation and child protection.

From what age is my child entitled to a Kita place?

From the 1st birthday, there is a legal entitlement to early-years provision (§ 24 Abs. 2 SGB VIII). The parental contribution is income-dependent (€0 to €600+ per month). In many federal states, the final Kita year is free of charge.

Can I report a risk to a child's welfare anonymously?

Yes. Reports can be made anonymously. The Jugendamt is legally obliged to follow up on every report (§ 8a SGB VIII). Emergency: police 110 / children's helpline 116 111.

Do unmarried fathers automatically have parental custody?

No. Without a declaration of parental custody, only the mother has sole parental custody. Joint parental custody requires a declaration by both parents at the Jugendamt (free of charge) or a notary.

Is advice from the Jugendamt confidential?

Yes. Parenting counselling is subject to a duty of confidentiality. Nothing is reported to third parties — only in the case of an acute risk to a child's welfare is there a statutory duty to report.

Jugendamt procedures

Child & youth welfare · SGB VIII

9 official procedures available

The Jugendamt (youth welfare office) is the local authority for child and youth welfare (SGB VIII). It is responsible for childcare (Kita vouchers), parental custody, adoption, foster children, maintenance calculation, parenting counselling and child protection.

All advice services are free of charge. If you suspect a risk to a child's welfare, anyone can report it — anonymously too. Emergency numbers: police 110 / children's helpline 116 111.

Last updated 27 August 2026

Competent authority Jugendamt of the city/district

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Written and reviewed byAndrés Sánchez Botta

Independent information site: we are not the Jugendamt, not an authority and not a paid advice service — we do not submit applications on your behalf. All information comes from official sources and is explained here in plain terms; the competent body is always authoritative. All information provided without guarantee. We are neither lawyers nor tax consultants: we document administrative procedures and check the information against the official source — this is information, not legal or tax advice.

Jugendamt procedures

Available services

Childcare

Family & parental custody

Child and youth welfare & counselling

Useful information

Questions about the Jugendamt

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