The 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work took place in Potsdam (Germany) from 16 to 18 September 2024. Due to the pandemic the congress was held digitally for the first time in 2021. This year participants from academia, professional practice, associations, administration and politics were able to meet in person again. In terms of content, the Federal Congress primarily reflected the diversity of child and youth work.

In addition to the three-day congress programme, the Park der Möglichkeiten offered an open space where different child and youth work actors and organisations were able to present themselves and to interact with visitors. Excursions to child and youth work organisations and projects in the state of Brandenburg were furthermore offered. On 16 and 17 September the two evening events provided additional space for encounters outside of the congress programme.

The 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work was organised by the Forschungsverbund DJI/TU Dortmund, the Fachverband Jugendarbeit/Jugendsozialarbeit Brandenburg e. V. and the State Capital Potsdam.

Regional co-organisers were the Landesjugendring Brandenburg e.V. (LJR), the Sozialpädagogische Fortbildungsinstitut Berlin-Brandenburg (SFBB) and the Stiftung SPI - Geschäftsbereich Niederlassung Brandenburg.

The congress was supported by the Federal Network on Youth Work.

The 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work was sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of the State of Brandenburg (MBJS).

 

The congress team

The congress team of the 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work was assembled from employees of the co-organisers – Forschungsverbund DJI/TU Dortmund, the Fachverband Jugendarbeit/Jugendsozialarbeit Brandenburg e. V. and the state capital Potsdam - as well as from one of the regional co-organisers, the Landesjugendring Brandenburg e.V.

Contact the team of the 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work:

General questions: kontakt@bundeskongress-kja.de

Congress programme: Dr. Julia von der Gathen-Huy (send e-mail) and Julia Hallmann (send e-mail)

Park der Möglichkeiten: Kathrin Schubert (send e-mail)

Infrastructure: Ronny Richter (send e-mail) and Vanessa Thieke (send e-mail)

Public relations: Julia Hallmann (send e-mail)

Local organisation: Anne-Laure Leroy (send e-mail)

Participant organisation: Sebastian Volberg (send e-mail)

 

The programme advisory board

The 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work was supported by a programme advisory board. By means of the programme advisory board, the congress team was able benefit from the broad expertise of professionals and academics in the field of child and youth work in order to create a diverse congress programme. One of the central tasks of the programme advisory board was to advise the congress team on professional and content matters. Furthermore, it acted as a multiplier in its own organisations and/or networks and promotes participation in the federal congress.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

GENERAL

What was the Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work?

The Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work was the three-day conference on child and youth work for professionals, volunteers and multipliers from academia, professional practice, administration and politics. The federal congress offered opportunities for joint dialogue as well as professional and political debates. There was space to discuss current and future social developments and contribute to the development of ideas surrounding the fundamentals of child and youth work.

Who should have I contacted if I had any questions or suggestions?

The congress team was there to assist you with any requests relating to the 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work. You can find the contact details in our menu under "Contact".

Is there any material that I can use to spread the information about the 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work?

You can find current press releases and materials for public relations on our menu under "Presse & PR". If you have any questions, please contact our public relations department: julia.hallmann@tu-dortmund.de.

 

PROGRAMME

How was the congress programme composed?

The programme of the 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work was composed of contributions from science, professional practice, society and politics. During the Call for Participation, it was possible to submit a contribution for the congress programme and/or for the Park der Möglichkeiten with information stands and activities related to child and youth work by 12.12.2023 and thereb helping to shape the congress.

What was part of the 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work?

In addition to the congress programme, which was made up of contributions from science, professional practice, society and politics, the Park der Möglichkeiten and excursions to child and youth work institutions and projects in the state of Brandenburg offered opportunities for exchange and networking. Moreover, evening events took place on the first and second day of the congress.

 

PARTICIPATION

How could I take part at the 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work?

In order to participate in the 4th Federal Congress, you needed to register. This took place in two steps: In the first step (from mid-February 2024) you registered for the Federal Congress. In the second step (probably in May), had to register for individual events. Further information on the registration process are published on our website.

Was there a limit to the number of participants?

We were planning for a total of 1,500 participants (on-site and digital). Due to room capacities, the maximum number of participants per event was limited. Therefore, you had to book your favoured events as early as possible.

Were participation fees charged for the 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work?

The participation at the 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work was free of charge.

Was it possible to participate digitally at the 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work?

The 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work took place in person in Potsdam. Individual selected sessions were made available online via a livestream.

Was it possible to refund travel and/or accommodation costs for participants?

Participants were responsible for their own travel, accommodation and catering costs. However, no participation fees were charged.

Were there accommodation contingents that can be used at a reduced price?

The congress team had temporarily reserved accommodation in various categories in and around Potsdam. These were made available on the website when registration for the congress opened  in February 2024.

Was the 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work accessible to all?

We were working on making the 4th Federal Congress on Child and Youth Work as accessible as possible. We welcome suggestions and proposals in this regard.