Düren unites to overhaul child protection with landmark agreement
The city of Düren and Düren District have signed a new cooperation agreement to strengthen child protection. The deal brings together local authorities and independent youth welfare organisations under a shared framework. Its goal is to create clearer, more reliable safeguarding for children and young people across the region.
The agreement builds on recent legal reforms, including the Child and Youth Strengthening Act and North Rhine-Westphalia's State Child Protection Act. These laws now form the basis for tighter collaboration between public bodies and welfare providers.
Key organisations such as Caritas, Diakonie, AWO, and members of Jugendhilfe Nordrhein-Westfalen will work alongside the city and district. By 2026, the partnership expects to introduce integrated case management, standardised risk assessments, and joint funding models. A digital data-sharing platform will also be developed to speed up responses and improve coordination.
The new framework sets uniform professional standards, from risk assessment procedures to clear lines of responsibility. It also ensures that safeguarding policies are regularly updated with the latest research and best practices. Preventive measures and clear action guidelines have been prioritised to reduce risks before they escalate.
The agreement establishes binding, transparent processes for all involved in child protection. It replaces fragmented approaches with high-quality, consistent standards across Düren and its district. Implementation will roll out gradually, with full integration of new systems expected by 2026.
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