Ombudsman helps more and more young people with conflicts - Rhineland-Palatinate’s Youth Ombuds Office Sees Cases Double in Seven Years
The Rhineland-Palatinate Ombuds Office for Child and Youth Services has seen a growing demand for its support. Set up in 2017, the service offers free and accessible help to young people facing disputes over custody, family conflicts, or issues with youth welfare agencies. Cases have more than doubled in seven years, rising from 70 in 2017 to 142 in 2024.
The office focuses mainly on adolescents and young adults caught in difficult situations. Many seek help when dealing with custody battles, strained relationships with biological parents, or disagreements with youth welfare offices. Requests often come from guardians, foster parents, or young people themselves as they become more aware of their rights.
The issues handled are frequently emotional, particularly when parental visitation rights are involved. While some cases stem from non-traditional family backgrounds, others arise in conventional households where separated parents resolve conflicts at the expense of their children. The ombuds office works to strengthen young people’s rights and ensure their voices are heard. It mediates between individuals and youth welfare agencies, aiming to correct power imbalances in child and youth services. The goal is to provide a fairer process for those navigating complex family and legal challenges.
Since its launch in 2017, the ombuds office has become a key resource for young people in Rhineland-Palatinate. The steady increase in cases reflects a growing need for independent support in family and youth welfare disputes. The service continues to operate as a free, accessible option for those seeking mediation and rights advocacy.
