Digital Streetwork, social workers who assist young people through the Internet
Digital Streetwork, social workers who assist young people through the Internet
Bavarian Youth Council
Initiative that moves street work with youth to the Internet
Digital Streetwork is a project aimed at individuals between 14 and 27 years old, in which a team of specialists work with youth through chats, social networks, platforms, and phone calls. Some of these spaces include Instagram, Discord, and Reddit. The main objective is to support them in areas such as mental health, school, work, and interpersonal relationships.
Social workers are actively present online and reach out to young people who show a need for support through messages and posts. If they do not wish to establish communication, the conversation stops. Similarly, the workers can be contacted by users who require their help. The program consists of fourteen professionals, two for each local government in Bavaria.
The platform is free and anonymous. Digital workers maintain the confidentiality of conversations and receive training in online counseling and crisis management. In case they cannot address an issue, the professionals connect the youth with specialized organizations.
Characteristics of innovation
Localization
Bayern, Germany
Partners / Funders
JFF Institute for Media Education, Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Affairs of the State of Bavaria.
Genesis
Digital Streetwork was born in September 2021 and is present in the seven Bavarian districts. The main objective is to get as close as possible to young people, and for this reason, contact is made through the Internet, as it is a fundamental socialization space for young people.
Level of implementation
Currently, 14 digital workers are present on the most relevant online platforms for young people. Since 2021, Digital Streetwork has been in contact with more than 6,100 individuals and has conducted over 2,700 counseling sessions. Furthermore, more than 140 young people have received support in communicating with institutions and authorities, while over 170 have received specialized assistance.
Banc d’innovacions