2 min. Advice to get homeless kids off Berlin's streets

According to current studies, there are estimated to be over 6,500 street children in Germany, mostly between the ages of 14 and 18 (S. Beierle/C. Hoch, 2017). If you count all homeless young people up to the age of 26, we are talking about a number of 37,000 across Germany (ibid.). It can be observed that the age of children who choose to live on the streets is decreasing, so that the starting age is sometimes 12 years. Berlin, as a growing, vibrant city, remains a social hotspot and a place where social injustice is growing. The anonymity of the big city ensures that young runaways are drawn to Berlin. The team from Straßenkinder eV seeks out these young people on the fringes of society to offer help and build trust. What looks to outsiders like arbitrary decisions is often the reaction of children who see no other way out. Lack of attention and love, constant arguments and violence or bullying in school and private contexts are just some of the reasons why young people break off contact with their families and see the streets as the only way out. The street social workers of the Straßenkinder eV have been on the streets of Berlin for over 20 years. They accompany and help children and young people to find their way off the streets and back into society and an independent life. Every year, thanks to the help of Straßenkinder eV, around 50 children and young people make their way off the streets. A professional but trusting relationship between the street children and the social workers is crucial for this, because this is the only way to successfully address problems and find help. In addition, everyday structuring services help the children and young people to find a daily routine.