German program guides at-risk youth away from crime

In North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, the “Kurve kriegen” (Get Back on Track) program pairs social workers and police officers to help children and teenagers avoid escalating into criminal behavior.

The initiative, which began in 2011, identifies young people showing early signs of trouble and offers individualized support to their families. Social workers visit homes, build trust, and create plans that include constructive activities, like joining sports clubs, and address underlying family issues.

Approximately 80 to 90 percent of families approached agree to participate in the program. The program recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in Bonn, where NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul praised its success as an example of early intervention. A key to its effectiveness is the close collaboration between police and social workers, allowing for rapid responses to changing situations and consistent support for the young people involved. Melissa, a former participant, shared her story eight years after completing the program.

She described a youth marked by petty theft and violence, stemming from boredom and a desire to fit in with a group. “Kurve kriegen” connected her with a “girls’ group” led by social workers, offering a safe space with boundaries and positive activities like campfires and open discussions about the consequences of their actions. Even after joining the program, Melissa faced setbacks, including a period of youth detention, but the team continued to support her through it.

Today, Melissa is a mother who has not committed a crime in over a decade and credits the program with helping her turn her life around.