The “Clearing” Procedure with the Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) for Refugees’ Children

The “Clearing” procedure with the Jugendamt for refugee children in Germany

When refugees arrive in Germany, their children and teenagers often face specific challenges that require targeted support and professional care to ensure healthy social and psychological integration. In this context, the Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) conducts a process known as “Clearing” as a key step to assess these children’s needs and provide them with appropriate support.

What is the “Clearing” procedure with the Jugendamt?

The Clearing procedure is a comprehensive assessment carried out by the Jugendamt for refugee children and young people. Its aims are to:

• understand the child’s or adolescent’s situation from a psychological, social and educational perspective,

• assess their individual needs and the extent of available family or community support,

• determine which type of assistance or care should be provided,

• develop an individual support plan to ensure the child’s protection and promote their integration.

Stages of the Clearing process

1. Initial contact and intake

• The Jugendamt first establishes contact with the child or young person,

• depending on the situation, the parents or guardians are also involved,

• basic information on the current circumstances is collected (housing, family situation, schooling, health, etc.).

2. Data collection and interviews

• Interviews with the child or adolescent are conducted,

• where appropriate, parents, teachers, social workers and medical professionals are also consulted,

• the goal is to obtain a precise picture of the child’s living conditions, resources and burdens.

3. Medical and psychological assessment

• In some cases, psychological or medical examinations are initiated,

• for example if there are indications of trauma due to war or flight, developmental disorders or mental health problems,

• this helps to identify special needs for therapy, counselling or support.

4. Identifying needs and setting up a support plan

• Based on all collected information, the Jugendamt decides:

  • which child and youth welfare measures,

  • which psychosocial support services,

  • and which educational or language support
    are required.

• An individual support plan is drawn up, which may include:

  • psychological counselling or trauma therapy,

  • social-pedagogical family assistance,

  • support with school or kindergarten enrolment,

  • protective measures in situations of endangerment.

5. Coordination with other institutions

• The Jugendamt coordinates support with:

  • schools and kindergartens,

  • integration and counselling centres,

  • healthcare and youth services,

• the aim is to create a networked and coordinated support system, so that the support plan is implemented effectively in everyday life.

Why is Clearing important for refugee children?

1. Specialised protection

• The procedure helps identify children at risk at an early stage,

• such as unaccompanied minors, children with severe psychological stress or unstable family situations,

• and enables the authorities to initiate protective and support measures in time.

2. Support for educational and social integration

• Through Clearing, it can be determined:

  • which type of school is suitable,

  • what level of language support is needed,

  • which social-pedagogical assistance is required,

• this makes it easier for children to enter school, training and social networks and to adapt to the new environment.

3. Access to health and psychological services

• Where necessary, children and young people are referred to:

  • paediatric care,

  • psychotherapy or trauma counselling,

  • specialised counselling and therapeutic services,

• in order to stabilise their physical and mental health as early as possible.

4. Clarifying care and accommodation

• If a child does not receive adequate family care,

• the Jugendamt examines whether:

  • residential homes,

  • group homes,

  • or foster families
    are suitable alternatives,

• the guiding principle is always the best interests of the child and a stable, safe living environment.

The role of parents and caregivers

• Cooperation with the Jugendamt:
  Parents and guardians are expected to cooperate openly with the Jugendamt and share relevant information about the child’s situation.

• Participation in assessments and follow-up meetings:
  Their participation in interviews, evaluation sessions and support planning meetings is important to ensure that the support measures really match the child’s needs.

• Supporting the recommended measures:
  Parents can contribute significantly by:

  • motivating children to attend school and language support,

  • accompanying them to therapy and counselling sessions,

  • and helping to implement the agreed support plan in everyday life.

Conclusion

The Clearing procedure with the Jugendamt is a key instrument for the protection and support of refugee children and adolescents in Germany.
Through a careful assessment of each child’s personal situation and needs, it ensures that they receive appropriate help, protection and support.

In this way, Clearing contributes to giving children from refugee families the chance to experience a stable, safe and future-oriented childhood in Germany – taking into account both their past experiences and their future opportunities in the German education system and society.

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The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors cannot be completely ruled out and some details may be uncertain or subject to change. Therefore, the contents of this article should be regarded as an initial guide; for binding and up-to-date information, please always consult the competent authorities and professional advisers.