Jena Prevention Network

The Jena Prevention Chain is dedicated to a collaborative, cross-sectoral approach to creating favorable conditions for the development and well-being of children, adolescents, and families. 

Since 2023, the City of Jena has been further developing its municipal prevention chain as part of the “Thuringian Prevention Chains” program by filling the position of “Prevention Chain Network Coordinator.” 

The goal is to better integrate services and structures, ensure smooth transitions, and provide families with timely and tailored support. To this end, stakeholders from various sectors are working together to utilize existing resources, identify gaps in care, and sustainably develop the prevention landscape in Jena.

The Jena Prevention Network...

...is guided by the needs and requirements of children, their parents, and their families

...strengthens opportunities for all children—regardless of their families’ socioeconomic status— to participate in society, thereby laying a stronger foundation for a successful upbringing

...improves the conditions for the active participation of all children and their families in the processes that affect their lives and life stages

...continues to develop cross-departmental and cross-sectoral cooperation within a coordinated network for children and families

...analyzes and reviews existing service offerings and network structures to identify areas for improvement, thereby contributing to the further development of municipal infrastructure for social services, health promotion, and prevention

...is a structural approach to building a long-term, comprehensive, and sustainable network of promotion, support, counseling, and guidance

...is part of an integrative overall municipal strategy that underpins coordinated strategic action

“Working with each other instead of alongside each other”—this motto characterized the internal administrative kickoff event for the Jena Prevention Chain, which took place on October 25, 2023, at the “Westside” on October 25, 2023.

Following welcoming remarks by Mayor Dr. Nitzsche and the Commissioner for Family, Education, and Social Affairs, Mr. Hertzsch, Ms. Daniela Schwarz introduced herself. She has served as the network coordinator for the Jena Prevention Chain since June 1, 2023, and moderated the event.

The Jena Prevention Network, as part of the municipal poverty prevention strategy, aims to strengthen opportunities for social participation for all children, regardless of their families’ social status, thereby improving the foundations for a successful upbringing. Active participant involvement is a key focus of this effort.

Following an expert presentation by Dr. Stolz from the Institute for Social Work (ISA e.V.) in Münster, the workshops addressed the following three key topics:

1. “Barriers to Receiving Benefits,”
2. “Transitions in the Life and Developmental Stages of Children,” and
3. “Impact-Oriented Approach as the Basis for Collaboration Within the Network.”

The documentation of the kick-off event serves as a resource not only for those directly involved but, above all, for anyone interested who did not attend the event. They, too, should be able to feel well-informed about the program, the key focus areas, and the outcomes of the event.

The program is funded through December 31, 2025, by the Auridis Foundation/Aldi Süd, the European Union (European Social Fund ESF+), and the Free State of Thuringia.

Since May 2024, the working group “Successful Transition Management from Preschool to Elementary School” has been bringing together the relevant stakeholders and collaboratively developing ideas and approaches to ensure a smooth transition for children and families. The focus is on collaboration among institutions, a shared understanding of the transition, and the strengthening of binding structures. 

Since 2025, the roundtable “Challenges and Opportunities of High Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in Daycare Centers and Elementary Schools in the Jena-Lobeda Community” has been bringing together stakeholders from various fields to discuss current issues, highlight needs, and jointly develop solutions for children, youth, and families in Jena. The focus is on networking, cooperation, and a shared vision for the needs-based further development of services.

Since 2024, stakeholders, residents, and other partners in the neighborhood have been brought together to jointly identify needs, resources, and opportunities for development. 

Networking and participation form the foundation for healthy neighborhood development and the gradual establishment of a socio-spatial prevention network.