In a secluded youth assistance center in Brandenburg, troubled adolescents find rehabilitation after serious offenses. The facility offers a structured environment for 22 young residents, focusing on mental health and personal growth. Through tailored education and support, many overcome challenges like addiction and bullying. With a dedicated staff, around 60% of participants earn school diplomas, paving the way for a brighter future. Personal stories highlight the transformative impact of this unique program on their lives.
Transforming Lives in Brandenburg’s Youth Assistance Facility
In a unique youth assistance center nestled in the heart of Brandenburg, troubled young individuals find refuge after committing serious offenses. This facility has successfully reimagined how to rehabilitate youth that other institutions have deemed too challenging. But what sets this place apart?
The journey to the facility foreshadows what’s to come. A winding road leads deep into a lush forest, far from the nearest town. The isolated location immediately signals a break from the outside world. At the end of this road lies a long building, reminiscent of a former GDR school camp, positioned beside a serene lake. It is here that young people, like Maria, arrive after grappling with drug use and criminal activities.
Understanding the Stories Behind the Struggles
Maria’s life story is a poignant example of the challenges many residents face. After losing her father at age three, Maria’s mother became a single parent to ten kids. “In a big family, it’s hard to give individual attention,” she explains. By the time she was 13, Maria succumbed to peer pressure and began using drugs, leading her down a destructive path.
At the NEUStart project of the Johannesstift Diakonie, 22 young people with similarly tumultuous backgrounds come together. Most have battled addiction, toxic friendships, and unstable family lives. This facility serves as a sanctuary for youth from across Germany, offering them a fresh start away from their past environments, distractions, and even their mobile phones. The daily routine is structured, encompassing work assignments, educational programs, meals, and recreational activities.
In recent years, children and adolescents have faced increasing mental health challenges. To address this, mental health coaches are available to provide support and guidance.
Upon arrival, each young person is given a minimally furnished room. Initial tensions can lead to outbursts, so anyone who damages property must take responsibility and repair it in the facility’s workshop. Adherence to rules allows them to earn points, which can unlock privileges such as upgraded room furnishings, access to a television, or the freedom to personalize their living space.
Even smoking is regulated, with residents allowed only five cigarettes a day at designated times, managed by caregivers to minimize fire hazards within the facility and surrounding woods.
Paloma, a 16-year-old resident, shares her experience: “The start was incredibly tough. I even called my mom in tears, thinking everyone disliked me.” Bullying had driven her to stop attending school, and she resorted to drugs until her parents stepped in. After more than a year at the facility, she acknowledges the ongoing struggle, particularly after a relapse during Christmas, which cost her hard-earned privileges.
Despite these challenges, the facility manager, Norbert Schröder, emphasizes building trust and reliable partnerships with the young people. “It’s about walking this path together,” he states, reaffirming his commitment to support them through their journey.
Interestingly, the structured environment contrasts sharply with previous experiences in less organized facilities. Farah, a resident for three years, notes the difference: “You learn to manage your time here and avoid unproductive choices.” Maria echoes this sentiment, realizing that the support offered is unlike any other living situation she has encountered.
A dedicated team of three psychologists, 20 educators, and numerous social workers work together to provide personalized education, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks. With eleven teachers offering individualized lessons, residents benefit from tailored support that addresses their unique learning needs.
The outcome speaks volumes: approximately 60% of the young people leave the facility equipped with a school diploma, setting them on a path toward a brighter future. Their hard work in this supportive environment in Brandenburg lays the groundwork for their next chapter.