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Brandenburg's children are in danger: experts are alarmed by a lack of protective ambulances!
Brandenburg urgently needs child protection clinics. Specialists are calling for support for affected children and families.
Brandenburg's children are in danger: experts are alarmed by a lack of protective ambulances!
There is a serious deficit in child protection in Brandenburg: there is a complete lack of specialized contact points for children who have experienced violence or neglect. Petra Degenhardt, the medical director of the Ernst von Bergmann Clinic, expressed this concern in a conversation with rbb24. Brandenburg is the only federal state in Germany that does not have any corresponding facilities.
In total, there are around 750 cases per year in which children in Brandenburg urgently need protection and medical help. Affected children currently have to be treated in six child protection outpatient clinics in Berlin or in regular rescue centers. However, these normal rescue centers do not provide the necessary suitable environment for the care of injured children and their families. The Berlin ambulances are already working at their limits.
Urgent measures needed
Health Minister Britta Müller (independent) confirmed that a solution has been in the works for three years. The state government is currently examining financing for the establishment of specialized contact points. In collaboration with the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Degenhardt has submitted an application to set up outpatient clinics in cities such as Potsdam, Lauchhammer, Neuruppin and Eberswalde.
The need for such facilities is underpinned by the continued rise in violence against children. This issue is consistent with the definition of domestic violence according to the Istanbul Convention, which includes physical, sexual, psychological or economic violence within the family. Child Protection Department reports on a specialist conference dealing with high-risk management in cases of domestic violence. It became clear that around a quarter of all cases of violence in the police crime statistics concern issues of domestic violence.
Counseling services for those affected
UNICEF emphasizes that every child has the right to protection from violence and that numerous contact points and counseling services exist to fulfill this right. One of the most important facilities is theGerman Child Protection Association (DKSB), which has over 400 local associations in Germany and offers practical help for children, young people and their parents.
Offer additionallyChild protection centersand local youth welfare offices offer advice in crisis situations. The UNICEF The platform also lists special telephone numbers such as the parents' hotline (0800 111 0550) and the children's and youth hotline (116 111), which offer cost-effective, anonymous advice.
Given the current situation and the need for specialists in child protection, it is essential that Brandenburg takes action as quickly as possible. Protecting children must be a top priority.