The Guardianship Coordination Office was launched on May 1, 2023 as a direct response to the nationwide reform of guardianship law. Since then, it has become firmly established in the district of Ludwigsburg. "We were one of the first youth welfare offices in Germany to actively implement the reform," emphasized Peter Nied, who is in charge of the coordination office at the district office. "Even today, not all of the 562 youth welfare offices have a functioning pool of volunteer guardians." It is therefore all the more pleasing that the district of Ludwigsburg is a clear step ahead here.
Those interested in volunteer guardianship came from both traditional civic engagement and from the circle of foster parents or the family environment of individual wards. An information event in January 2025 and a detailed interview with a newspaper led to a noticeable response. The series of training courses held in spring 2025 met with great approval and enabled 13 new volunteers to be added to the existing pool. This now comprises a total of 21 people - more than twice as many as in the previous year.
Individual matching as the key to success
Careful matching between young people and potential volunteer guardians is a central component of the work. Nied personally attends every initial meeting and closely involves the official guardians in charge of the case. According to Nied, experience shows that the young people quickly decide whether they can imagine the person suggested becoming their guardian. Up to now, all of the initial contacts have led to a successful placement. A practical example illustrated how a young refugee was able to benefit significantly from the support of his volunteer guardian in terms of his schooling, language skills and career.
The coordination office works closely with the official guardianship, general social services and foster children's services departments. The exchange with the family courts has been intensified and has led to noticeable simplifications in the administrative process. In addition, a regional network has been established together with the Heilbronn District Office, which now includes several youth welfare offices and towns. Interest is also growing nationwide: Other youth welfare offices want to visit the Ludwigsburg district office to benefit from the experience gained there.
As of October 20, 2025, 75 inspection and monitoring cases were being managed, around 50 percent more than in the previous year. In addition, there were numerous requests for advice and support for the now rapidly growing pool of volunteers. The figures confirm the increasing importance of the coordination office and show that many young people benefit noticeably from the volunteer guardians.
Volunteer guardianship as a benefit for young people
Experience to date shows that volunteer guardianship offers considerable added value for wards. Volunteers have more time resources and can build personal relationships that often last beyond the age of majority. "Scepticism very often gives way to the realization that volunteer guardianship can be very beneficial for wards," explained Nied. "I would venture to say that the coordination office has already become a positive figurehead for the district of Ludwigsburg in some ways."
Interested parties can find more information at www.landkreis-ludwigsburg.de/soziales-jugend-familie/kinder-jugendliche/beistand-pfleg-vormundschaften/.
