Child-friendly Stuttgart concept

The basis for the concept "Child-friendly Stuttgart 2015 to 2020" is the diversity of the approximately 74,000 children in Stuttgart under the age of 15 with regard to age, gender or cultural background. Disadvantaged children are given special consideration with the goal of equal opportunities for all children. The protection of children's rights and the needs of children with disabilities also play a central role.

The conception describes the results of the children's participation in the run-up as well as the assessment of the status and the need for action from a professional perspective in nine fields of action. It also identifies goals and gives recommendations for action to be implemented by the city of Stuttgart.

The nine fields of action are:

• Safety and cleanliness
• Environment and nature
• Health, sports, exercise and nutrition
• Urban space and play areas
• Poverty, participation and equal opportunities
• Traffic and mobility
• Child participation
• School, daycare and open facilities
• Culture

The concept, which was systematically developed with the city administration between summer 2014 and spring 2015, is based on the participation of around 600 children, parents and educational professionals.

Child and youth work providers, representatives of the local council, associations and institutions and other stakeholders were also involved in the development process. The process was led by children's representative  Maria Haller-Kindler with the support of the  Stuttgart Community Foundation (opens in a new tab).

The concept forms the basis for the  Child-Friendly Municipality Action Plan, which was drawn up as part of the  Child-Friendly Municipalities program. The state capital is thus committed to implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and to making Stuttgart more child-friendly.

The brochure on the conception and two status reports provide detailed information. As a version for children, children's author Ulrike Leistenschneider has shortened the conception and translated it into language that children can understand. The children's brochure was also supplemented with many tips and examples.