On 29 April 2025, the Faculty of Social Work at Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences in Wolfenbüttel hosted the conference "WIR SCHAUEN NUR AUF DEN FALL. WIR SCHAUEN NICHT AUFS KIND" took place. Around 90 participants from practice, academia and public organisations demonstrated the high level of interest and relevance of the topic with their participation. The event provided an important platform for discussing the latest research findings and solutions for supporting young people in particularly challenging situations.
The content framework was provided by the presentation of interim results from the "Dynamite" research project, which is led by Prof Dr Timo Schreiner and Dr des. Sandrine Bakoben. The project scientifically accompanies an innovative inpatient residential programme of the AWO Braunschweig and examines, among other things, inter-communal cooperation, the perspectives of the young people themselves and institutional case logics. The presentations and discussions highlighted key aspects such as the criticism of the often stigmatising term "system violator", the need for biography-oriented approaches and the importance of participatory methods.
The exchange was deepened in four parallel workshops. Here, the participants intensively discussed topics such as "Innovative ways of dealing with young people", "Intercommunal networking", the "Genesis of the term 'system violator'" and "Perspectives on young people in challenging situations" under the question "Case or child?". The lively dialogue in the workshops was perceived as particularly enriching by all participants and provided valuable impetus for research and practice alike.
The event made it clear how important the dialogue between science and practice is in order to continuously improve support for young people in difficult life situations. The aim is to create structures that not only manage the "case" but also focus on the child or young person as a subject. The conference underlined the need to critically question established practices and promote innovative, individualised approaches.
Many thanks to the organisers Prof. Dr. Timo Schreiner and Dr. des. Sandrine Bakoben, the speakers, the workshop leaders and all participants who contributed to the success of the conference with their commitment and expertise. Events like this are crucial for the further development of social work and opening up better prospects for young people.
