Taking children and young people into care
If the child's welfare is acutely threatened and the emergency situation cannot be averted in any other way, the child will be taken into care.
Description
Children are taken into care if their welfare is at acute risk or if the risk to their welfare cannot be averted in any other way than by taking them into care or if there are no legal guardians available.
This is assessed by the district social workers in the social centres after careful consideration of the necessity. Outside of opening hours, the Child Protection Control Centre in Munich is responsible for taking children into care in cooperation with the police.
If necessary, the young person will be placed in a protection centre. The young person's situation is clarified there so that they can either be referred to further help or - if possible - released back home. Children and young people can also report themselves to the Sozialbürgerhaus and be taken into care.
During the placement, the child/young person's needs are assessed (e.g. therapy, youth welfare measures, etc.). The parents are involved in this process. Compulsory school attendance continues to apply unchanged during the period of care. Depending on age and need, there are different protection centres, such as for girls or small children only.
Responsibility:
Monday to Friday during opening hours: the social centres,
evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays: the child protection control centre in Munich in cooperation with the police.
Prerequisites
The child's welfare is at acute risk and cannot be protected in any other way than by taking the child into care.
Required documents
None
Questions & Answers
What does the everyday life of a child/young person in a protection centre look like?It is about safety and peace for the child/young person, the availability of safe contact persons, a regular daily structure (school/kindergarten), regular meals, further clarification etc.
Are the parents allowed to see their child during the placement?
It is not possible to give a generalised answer; this is examined on a case-by-case basis. The best interests of the child must be guaranteed.
Can the child/young person go home while they are being taken into care?
It is not possible to give a generalised answer; this is examined on a case-by-case basis. The best interests of the child must be guaranteed.
How long does a placement in a protection centre last?
It can end after one day or continue until the necessary and suitable follow-up measure is available.
How does a placement take place?
A generalised answer is not possible. Each situation must be assessed by specialists on a case-by-case basis and the child must be taken into care accordingly.
As a parent/legal guardian, do I have to agree to a placement?
You do not have to agree, but there will be a hearing at the family court in which the risk to the child's welfare will be discussed together.
Legal basis
§ 8a SGB VIII
§ 42 SGB VIII
§ 42a SGB VIII