Early Intervention and Family Support Services in Coesfeld

Coesfeld’s integrated family support network, including the “Guter Start” working group, provided specialized care to 110 families in 2025, according to officials Hartmut Kreuznacht and Ulrike Ahlers. The system combines volunteer-led projects like “Wellcome” with professional medical and social services to support parents from pregnancy through the postpartum period.

Hartmut Kreuznacht, deputy head of the youth office, and Ulrike Ahlers of Bunter Kreis Münsterland reported the high utilization of these services during a Tuesday evening meeting of the youth welfare committee. The network targets those needing assistance during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum phase.

How does Coesfeld’s family support system work?

The city utilizes several distinct programs to reach new parents. The “Wellcome” project employs 18 volunteers, funded by the city, to act as contacts and companions for families immediately after birth.

Pregnant women and parents can access “Café la Mama,” an open course led by midwives that provides professional input and peer exchange. Additionally, the city sends welcome greetings to newborns, which include educational vouchers and letters from local partners.

Outreach counseling provided by the Sozialdienst Katholischer Frauen reached 37 families in 2025. This specific service is funded by the Bundesstiftung Frühe Hilfen.

Did You Know? The Bundesstiftung Frühe Hilfen officially designated Coesfeld as a “Good Practice Example” for its collaborative approach to family support, according to Ulrike Ahlers.

Why is the “Guter Start” network significant?

The “Guter Start” working group, coordinated by Ahlers, prevents the duplication of services by networking various actors. Members include the Christophorus Kliniken, the Coesfeld youth office, Bunter Kreis, the Family Education Center (FBS), and the District of Coesfeld.

“The working group thrives on all actors being active,” Ahlers stated. This coordination ensures that different providers share information and avoid overlapping offers.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the success of such networks often hinges on the seamless transition between medical care and social support. By integrating clinics and youth offices, the system reduces the risk of vulnerable families falling through the cracks during the critical window immediately following birth.

What is the link between early help and child protection?

The interface between early assistance and child protection is becoming increasingly critical. Ahlers noted that while early help ends where child protection begins, the two areas often merge in practice.

Coordinated Family Support (CFS) Program

Identifying sexual abuse in children under three is a primary challenge because these children cannot speak. This makes the detection of child welfare risks particularly sensitive.

In 2025, there were 15 suspected cases of child welfare endangerment. However, youth welfare measures were only necessary in two of those instances.

What happens next for these families?

Of the 304 children born in Coesfeld in 2025, 110 received neonatological care. This group includes premature babies, those with infections, and infants who saw a pediatrician after birth.

Because 110 families used the “Guter Start” offer, the city may continue to see a direct correlation between medical neonatological needs and the demand for social support. Future efforts could focus on maintaining the active participation of all network members to sustain the “Good Practice” status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “Wellcome” project?
It is a city-funded project where 18 volunteers serve as contacts and companions for families immediately after a child is born.

How many children were born in Coesfeld in 2025?
A total of 304 children were born in the city during 2025.

Who coordinates the “Guter Start” working group?
The working group is coordinated by Ulrike Ahlers from Bunter Kreis Münsterland.

How can cities better integrate medical care with social volunteer networks to support new parents?