Social Minister Jung: Early Childhood Must Be the Focus - Saarland pushes bold reforms to transform child welfare services
Saarland’s Social Affairs Minister Magnus Jung has called for major changes to child and youth welfare services. He wants a stronger focus on early childhood support, arguing that current policies are too reactive. His proposals will be presented at the Social Welfare State Congress in Saarbrücken later this month.
Jung will outline his demands at the congress, held on January 29 and 30, with over 300 representatives from different sectors attending. He plans to push for reforms in how social services are funded, alongside digital improvements and less bureaucracy. His goal is to make benefits easier to access for families.
The minister has criticised the existing system as overly defensive, focusing on fixes rather than prevention. Instead, he wants early intervention, particularly in the first three to five years of a child’s life. Research supports this approach, showing that early experiences shape long-term outcomes in education, health, and behaviour. Jung also aims to spark a wider discussion on social justice. He believes fairness in welfare services must be addressed to ensure better support for families before children start school.
The congress will bring together key figures to discuss Jung’s proposals. If implemented, the reforms could shift how social services operate, prioritising early childhood support. The minister’s plans may also lead to broader changes in funding and digital access for families.
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