Ombudsman helps more and more young people with conflicts - Rhineland-Palatinate’s Youth Ombuds Office Sees Cases Double Since 2017 Launch
The Rhineland-Palatinate Ombuds Office for Child and Youth Services has seen a sharp rise in cases since its launch in 2017. Originally handling 70 inquiries in its first year, the office now manages 142 cases annually. State officials attribute the increase to growing awareness of young people’s rights and the need for mediation in complex family disputes.
The Landesjugendamt Rheinland-Pfalz was established in 2017 and formally embedded in state law by 2024. Its role includes supporting adolescents in conflicts with youth welfare services, biological parents, or foster carers. Many of the young people seeking help come from non-traditional family backgrounds, though some live in conventional households where parental separation leads to disputes affecting them directly.
Requests for assistance often come from guardians, foster parents, or young people themselves becoming more aware of their legal rights. The cases are frequently emotional, particularly when involving parental visitation rights, custody battles, or financial support applications. The office also mediates between adolescents and youth welfare agencies to ensure their voices are heard. According to the state’s Citizens’ Commissioner, Barbara Schleicher-Rothmund, the steady rise in cases reflects a broader trend. The office publishes a biennial report detailing its activities, highlighting issues such as custody conflicts, financial aid disputes, and tensions with welfare providers. Its core mission remains strengthening young people’s rights and enabling their participation in decisions affecting their lives.
The ombuds office now handles double the number of cases it did at launch. Its work continues to expand as more young people and guardians seek guidance in navigating legal and emotional challenges. The latest figures underscore the growing demand for mediation and rights advocacy in youth welfare matters.
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