Jugendtelefon: Legal help and counselling directly for children themselves

What is the Jugendtelefon?

The Jugendtelefon is a free and confidential helpline for children and young people up to the age of 21. It offers support with:

• family problems and conflicts between parents

• domestic or emotional violence

• issues at school or with friends

• fear of being separated from a parent or of forced travel/deportation

• abuse or neglect

• legal questions affecting the child or young person (e.g. custody, divorce, living with one parent)

Phone number:

116 111

• available from Monday to Saturday

• from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• free of charge from all networks (landline and mobile)

• the call does not appear on the phone bill

Who answers the phone?

• trained, voluntary counsellors

• they are strictly bound to confidentiality

• they can listen, advise, guide, and, if necessary, refer callers to the Jugendamt (Youth Welfare Office) or to specialised lawyers

Is online support available?

Yes!

• You can send online counselling messages via the website:
  https://www.nummergegenkummer.de/kinder-und-jugendtelefon.html

• there is also an anonymous chat on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Does the helpline provide direct legal assistance?

Not in the same way as a lawyer, but:

• it explains children’s and young people’s rights in simple language

• it clarifies terms such as Sorgerecht (custody), Aufenthaltsbestimmungsrecht (right to decide residence) and Umgangsrecht (contact/visitation rights)

• it helps them understand what they can do if they experience injustice, fear or violence

• it guides them towards official bodies such as the Jugendamt or the Familiengericht (family court)

Why is this important?

Because a child or young person may:

• have no one they really trust

• be afraid to speak in front of their parents or in court

• not understand their legal rights or what options they have

The Jugendtelefon gives children and young people an independent voice and impartial, non-judgemental support.

The editorial and writing team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some information may be incomplete or not fully verified. Therefore, the information in this article should be regarded as an initial point of reference; for binding and up-to-date information, please always contact the competent authorities and professional services.