Claim Disputed: Recipients of Citizens' Benefits reportedly shy away from requesting additional funds
In the outskirts of a gravel pit on the outskirts of a German city, 16-year-old Marlon lives with his parents in a tent, a far cry from the conventional home life most teenagers take for granted. Marlon's family has lost their apartment, and they make do with limited resources, lacking electricity, running water, and security.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the youth welfare office has not intervened directly in their situation. This decision is due to a combination of legal, practical, and resource constraints, as well as a preference for supportive measures rather than immediate enforcement.
The youth welfare office in Germany is responsible for the social concerns of children and young people, focusing on socio-educational support and helping youth transition to independence. Programs like "Encouraging Youth by building bridges to independence" aim to provide holistic, longer-term help, including housing, education, health, and social relations, rather than just emergency actions.
However, the supply of housing for young people, especially those disconnected from families and care systems, is limited. The city implements pilot housing projects and Housing First approaches, but these are still developing and cannot instantly resolve all cases of youth homelessness.
Rather than intervening with direct coercion, youth welfare often relies on outreach services that engage homeless young people where they live, providing counseling and helping them navigate the system to find support, housing, or return to education and training.
Marlon's welfare payments amount to 900 euros per month, but this does not automatically guarantee youth welfare office intervention. The office's actions depend on case assessments, availability of support structures, and the youth's needs and consent.
Despite the welfare support, Marlon's life is far from easy. He feels guilty when money is spent on him, and his school attendance is suffering due to fear of ridicule and bullying. Vocational school was previously a beacon of light for Marlon, but he now barely dares to attend.
Marlon could move into supported housing, but he chooses to stay with his parents. His love or fear for his parents may be reasons for him staying, while his parents do not prioritize a better future for their family. Instead, they spend money on tobacco instead of food.
The city is aware of the family's illegal camping, but the youth welfare office does not intervene beyond demanding that the family stops camping because it's disturbing the trash. This inaction has been puzzling, as other families have lost children for less.
Marlon describes his life in the tent as a struggle for survival, not an adventure. His family does not file for child benefit to receive more support, and Marlon's situation continues to be a struggle for survival. Despite the challenges, Marlon remains hopeful, looking forward to the day when he can build a better life for himself and his family.
- Despite the youth welfare office's focus on holistic, long-term support for children and young people, the limited supply of housing for those disconnected from families and care systems hinders direct intervention in cases like Marlon's.
- Although the youth welfare office in Germany provides financial support to families like Marlon's, the actions of the office depend on case assessments, availability of support structures, and the youth's needs and consent, resulting in a lack of immediate intervention in some situations.
