German youth welfare offices (Jugendämter) took protective custody of approximately 69,500 children and adolescents in 2024, representing a decrease of roughly 5,100 cases (-7%) compared to the previous year. This marks the first year since 2020 that the number of protective measures has declined.
The reduction is primarily attributed to a decrease in the number of unaccompanied minors entering the country, which fell by approximately 8,500 cases (-22%) year-on-year. However, the overall caseload was partially offset by increases in cases involving serious threats to child welfare, up by nearly 2,600 (+10%) and by children and adolescents seeking assistance themselves, which rose by around 850 (+10%).
While the number of unaccompanied arrivals remains a significant factor-accounting for 44% of all protective measures-this includes both preliminary custody actions (24%) taken immediately upon arrival and regular custody measures (20%) initiated subsequently. A further 42% of protective measures were implemented due to serious threats to child welfare and 13% arose from children or adolescents self-reporting a need for assistance.
Beyond unaccompanied arrivals, common triggers for protective measures included parental overwhelm (25%), neglect (12%), physical abuse (11%) and psychological abuse (8%).
Notably, despite the overall decline in unaccompanied arrivals, several triggers saw increases compared to 2023. These include physical abuse (+1,026), neglect (+939), parental overwhelm (+896) and psychological abuse (+843). Multiple triggers were often cited per case.
During protective custody, approximately 77% of children and adolescents were placed in facilities, while around 23% were accommodated with suitable individuals or in supported living arrangements. While nearly one-third of cases (30%) were resolved in under a week, 21% lasted three months or longer. The average duration of a protective measure was 62 days, or roughly two months.
Resolutions were generally quicker in cases stemming from self-reporting (average 36 days), compared to those involving serious threats to child welfare (57 days). Measures related to unaccompanied arrivals exhibited the longest duration, averaging 74 days, more than double the duration of self-reported cases.
Following protective custody, approximately 24% of minors returned to their previous residence. A further 45% were placed in new locations, most commonly in residential homes, supported living groups, or other facilities. Around 10% were transferred to other youth welfare offices and 13% ended their protective measures independently, in some instances by leaving the placement. Another 9% of cases were concluded through other means.