Child protection

Child protection is a collective societal responsibility and concerns one of the most vulnerable groups in our society: children are defined as all individuals under the age of 18 (see Article 6 of the German Basic Law; Article 1 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child).

The relationship between radicalisation/extremism prevention and child protection is complex and challenging. Addressing such cases requires the pooling of different competencies. We believe that effective radicalisation and extremism prevention can only succeed if the link to child protection is consciously focused on and addressed.

Generalised attributions, however, must be avoided as they neither meet legal standards nor contribute to resolving challenging conflict situations. The "care and upbringing of children is the natural right of parents and a duty primarily incumbent upon them. The state community shall watch over the performance of this duty." (Article 6, Paragraph 2 of the German Basic Law). An intervention in the parents' basic rights is only legitimate and mandatory when "the physical, mental, or emotional well-being of the child or their assets are endangered" (§ 1666 BGB).

For instance, children or adolescents themselves may become involved in radicalisation processes that negatively impact or endanger their healthy mental, physical, or emotional development. Others may grow up under the influence of radical or extremist beliefs and actions, sometimes shaped by psychological, emotional, or even physical violence. Recognising these situations, evaluating them appropriately, and initiating suitable support measures can be particularly challenging for professionals.