Refugee children and young people who come to Brandenburg without relatives need special reception. The state supports the municipal youth welfare offices in this challenging task via the Clearing network. This will support the initial immediate care of unaccompanied foreign minors in Brandenburg. The first location of a pre-clearing point in the network was put into operation in Schwedt/Oder by the EJF (Evangelical Youth and Welfare Office).
Youth Minister Steffen Freiberg: “The successful start to the Clearing network represents the good cooperation between the municipal family and the state of Brandenburg. The Ministry of Youth Affairs will continue to support the youth welfare offices in the challenging task of providing unaccompanied, refugee children and young people with good care when they seek refuge in Brandenburg. We often cannot even imagine what they had to experience in their young lives. That’s why they need special care. I personally got a first impression of the preparations in Schwedt in the summer. With the EJF we have been able to gain a partner with experience in youth welfare for the Clearing network.”
The EJF opened the first pre-clearing facility in the clearing network in the state of Brandenburg. Operations began at the Schwedt/Oder location on November 18, 2024. The clearinghouse offers ten places for short-term accommodation. It is initially intended to cover the needs of the municipalities in the north and northeast of Brandenburg (Uckermark district, Barnim district, Frankfurt (Oder)).
EJF board member Dr. Andreas Eckhoff: “The EJF looks forward to working with the actors involved and to being able to make a valuable contribution to supporting and integrating young people in Brandenburg.”
The municipalities in the state of Brandenburg record several hundred children and young people every month who come to the region unaccompanied from abroad and need to be cared for. In November 2024 there were 840 (for comparison: 831 in November 2023). Without a family connection, they are temporarily taken into care by the youth welfare offices. They organize accommodation, care and support for unaccompanied foreign minors (“umA”) who, in the interests of the child’s well-being, may not be accommodated in adult accommodation. The municipalities along the border with Poland are particularly challenged with this task.
The state had promised the municipalities its support with umA admission. The Clearing Network was created for this purpose. It is intended to relieve the burden on local youth welfare offices in carrying out the temporary care procedure (according to Section 42a SGB VIII). The Ministry of Youth finances reception centers in the network for the intensive pre-clearing process. The facilities are operated by professionally experienced independent youth welfare providers. The children and young people’s stay there should not exceed a period of seven working days. Further accommodation then takes place in other forms of housing, which the locally responsible youth welfare office then determines and arranges.
About the carrier
The EJF (Evangelical Youth and Welfare Organization) is a nationwide, Christian-based social economy company. It provides help for people of all ages and faiths who need special personal and social care. The EJF develops and operates outpatient and inpatient services for people with disabilities, for children, young people and families, for senior citizens as well as homeless and refugee people. The EJF also includes child day care facilities, consulting and educational work as well as integration companies
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FAQ: Reception and care of unaccompanied foreign minors
Evangelical youth and welfare work
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## World Today News Interview: Supporting Unaccompanied Refugee Children in Brandenburg
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we discuss the challenges and solutions surrounding unaccompanied refugee children arriving in Brandenburg, Germany. We are joined by two distinguished guests:
* **Stephanie Schmidt**, a social worker with extensive experience working with refugee children.
* **Dr. Thomas Müller**, an expert on migration policy and integration at the Brandenburg Institute for Social Research.
**Section 1: The Critical Need for Specialized Care**
* **Host:** Brandenburg has seen a significant influx of unaccompanied refugee children. What are the specific needs of these children that require specialized care?
* **Stephanie Schmidt:** Thank you for having me. Unaccompanied minors arriving from war-torn regions or harsh circumstances often carry immense trauma and need specialized psychological support.
They also face challenges integrating into a new language and culture, navigating legal processes, and building a new life.
* **Host:** Dr. Müller, how does the existing support system in Brandenburg address these complex needs?
**Section 2: Introducing the Clearing Network**
* **Host:** Let’s delve into the recently established Clearing Network. Dr. Müller, can you shed light on its purpose and how it aims to alleviate the burden on local services?
* **Dr. Thomas Müller:** As Brandenburg sees hundreds of these vulnerable children every month, the Clearing Network collaborates with experienced organizations like EJF to provide intensive pre-clearing support for a short period, allowing municipalities to focus on long-term care arrangements. It’s a crucial buffer system.
* **Host:** Stephanie, what are your thoughts on the potential impact of this network on the well-being of these children?
**Section 3: EJF’s Role and Collaborations**
* **Host:** EJF has taken the lead in opening the first pre-clearing facility. Dr. Eckhoff, could you elaborate on EJF’s experience and expertise in this field?
**[Invite Dr. Andreas Eckhoff, board member of EJF, to participate in the interview]**
* **Dr. Andreas Eckhoff**:
We at EJF have a long history of working with vulnerable populations, including refugees
. Our team is equipped to provide trauma-informed care, multilingual support, and a safe haven for these children while their long-term housing solutions are being arranged.
* **Host**: How crucial is collaboration between organizations like EJF and governmental bodies in effectively addressing this issue?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead – Challenges and Opportunities**
* **Host:** While the Clearing Network is a promising initiative, what are some potential challenges for its successful implementation?
* **Stephanie Schmidt:** Ensuring adequate funding, recruiting and retaining skilled staff, and addressing cultural sensitivities are critical. We also need to continuously evaluate and adapt the program to meet evolving needs.
* **Host:** Dr. Müller, what are your thoughts on the long-term integration prospects for these young refugees in Brandenburg?
* **Dr. Thomas Müller:**
Integration is a multi-faceted process requiring comprehensive support systems, access to education and employment opportunities,
and fostering a welcoming environment.
**Conclusion**
* **Host:** Thank you to our guests for sharing their insights on this pressing issue.
Supporting unaccompanied refugee children requires a collective effort, and the
Clearing Network serves as a promising framework for providing these vulnerable individuals with the care and security they deserve. We encourage continued community engagement and support for these young people as they navigate their journey towards a brighter future in Brandenburg.
