Prevention chain Jena

The City of Light Jena launched the "Thuringian Prevention Chains" program on 8 February 2023. The "Thuringian Prevention Chains" program supports districts and independent cities in developing holistic and tailor-made prevention concepts for children and their families. The aim is to ensure a fair future for children with the help of municipal networks.

The target group of the prevention chains are families with children between the ages of 0 and 10. The support services are aimed at children and young people as well as their parents.

In Jena, a cross-sectoral communication process is being continued, moderated and supported with the establishment of the prevention chain. The city of Jena has received financial support for the establishment of a full-time coordination office to coordinate the network. The Thuringian prevention chains are financed by the Free State of Thuringia with funds from the European Social Fund (ESF+) and the Auridis Foundation.

The Jena prevention chain...

...is geared towards the needs and requirements of children and their parents and families

...strengthens opportunities for social participation for all children, regardless of the social status of their families, and thus improves the basis for a successful upbringing

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

...further develops cross-departmental and cross-sectoral cooperation in a coordinated network for children and families

...analyzes and examines the existing service and network structures for improvement needs and thus contributes to the further development of the municipal infrastructure of social services, health promotion and prevention

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

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

"Working together instead of side by side" - this was the motto of the internal kick-off event for the Jena prevention chain, which was held at the "Westside" youth center on 25.10.2023 with 35 participants from the various specialist services and areas of Jena's core administration.

After welcoming speeches by the Lord Mayor, Dr. Nitzsche, and the Head of the Department for Family, Education and Social Affairs, Mr. Hertzsch, Ms. Daniela Schwarz introduced herself. She has been the network coordinator of the Jena prevention chain since 01.06.2023 and moderated the event.

As part of the municipal poverty prevention strategy, the Jena prevention chain aims to strengthen opportunities for social participation for all children, regardless of the social status of their families, and thus improve the basis for a successful upbringing. Active participation of the target group is a key aspect of this.

After the expert input from Dr. Stolz from the Institute for Social Work/ ISA e.V. Münster, the workshops focused on the following three topics:

1. "Barriers to receiving benefits",
2. "Transitions in the life and development phases of children" and
3. "Impact orientation as the basis for cooperation in the network".

The documentation of the kick-off serves as a follow-up for those directly involved, but above all for all interested parties who did not take part in the event. They should also feel well informed about the program, the priorities set and the results of the event.

The program is funded until 31.12.2025 by the Auridis Foundation/ Aldi Süd, the European Union (European Social Fund ESF+) and the Free State of Thuringia.