Child protection
Child protection is a collective societal responsibility and concerns one of the most vulnerable groups in our society: children are defined as all individuals under the age of 18 (see Article 6 of the German Basic Law; Article 1 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child).
The relationship between radicalisation/extremism prevention and child protection is complex and challenging. Addressing such cases requires the pooling of different competencies. We believe that effective radicalisation and extremism prevention can only succeed if the link to child protection is consciously focused on and addressed.
It is important to sensitively examine each individual case and its specific connections between ideological or extremist beliefs and actions and (potential) risks to child welfare. Indications of potential risks often become apparent in everyday life through external characteristics and/or behavioural issues (e.g., loyalty conflicts, excessive behavioural rules, or severe anxieties). These are often noticed by staff in settings such as nurseries, schools, or child and youth services.
Recognising signs of risk and taking measures that serve the child's well-being is a sensitive process that requires both expertise and experience. This necessitates lear and transparent protection concepts, knowledge of the legal framework, and an empathetic and solution-oriented approach.
Generalised attributions, however, must be avoided as they neither meet legal standards nor contribute to resolving challenging conflict situations. The "care and upbringing of children is the natural right of parents and a duty primarily incumbent upon them. The state community shall watch over the performance of this duty." (Article 6, Paragraph 2 of the German Basic Law). An intervention in the parents' basic rights is only legitimate and mandatory when "the physical, mental, or emotional well-being of the child or their assets are endangered" (§ 1666 BGB).
For instance, children or adolescents themselves may become involved in radicalisation processes that negatively impact or endanger their healthy mental, physical, or emotional development. Others may grow up under the influence of radical or extremist beliefs and actions, sometimes shaped by psychological, emotional, or even physical violence. Recognising these situations, evaluating them appropriately, and initiating suitable support measures can be particularly challenging for professionals.
Our knowledge of typical challenges, appropriate attitudes and skills, and available support and advisory options is drawn from years of experience across various fields related to ideological issues, radicalisation, and extremism. This experience is anchored in a legal foundation: currently, four of our employees are trained as "qualified child protection professionals" according to § 8a SGB VIII (also known as child protection experts or InsoFas/Isefs) and are therefore equipped to assess child welfare risks.
We are pleased to make this expertise available through our advisory, training, and professional development services: Together with you as professionals, we strengthen and expand those skills that enable a sensitive approach to working with children in such particular life circumstances.