All the News at a Glance

"What comes after school?" In the search for answers to this important question about the future, parents are an important source of advice for their child. The Federal Employment Agency's one-hour online events give parents and young people exclusive insights into the training and study opportunities offered by various companies.

The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia has appointed Petra Ladenburger as the new Commissioner for Child Protection and Children's Rights for the next five years. The specialist lawyer for family law and expert in the field of child protection and protection against violence wants to ensure that the rights of children and young people are considered and taken into account in all political decisions and social debates.
(Photo: MKJFGFI / B. Thissen)

In 2026, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia will continue to promote vacations for families in family holiday resorts. Find out now how you can receive a grant for the Easter or summer vacations.

Are you looking for services for families in your area or do you need local support? Many cities bundle activities, local advice services and contact points for families on a local online portal. You can now find a revised online search for these portals on Familienportal.NRW.

A toast to carnival tradition and togetherness across generations: on February 4, 27 child and youth prince and princess couples as well as triumvirates from all over North Rhine-Westphalia were honored with the carnival medal by Minister President Hendrik Wüst.

Safer Internet Day on February 10 will focus on the topic "AI and me. In an artificial relationship." with valuable information and numerous events - online or on site. We have also put together an overview for you with our articles and tips for parents on media use.

In future, more volunteers will be able to apply for the NRW volunteer card: 200 instead of 250 hours per year or 4 instead of 5 hours per week of voluntary work are required to receive the volunteer card. With the card, committed citizens receive over 5,000 benefits throughout the state.

The German government has launched a new subsidy program for electric cars and hybrids with retroactive effect from January 2026. It offers a subsidy of up to 6,000 euros for purchases and leasing. Families with children under the age of 18 benefit from a higher income limit and up to €1,000 more funding.

About a third of all children starting school do not have the necessary language skills to actively participate in lessons. With new ABC classes in the year before starting school, all children in North Rhine-Westphalia should now have a fair chance of a successful education. The first compulsory ABC classes will start in 2028.

Which books were of particular interest to children, young people and adults last year? The lending charts of the libraries in North Rhine-Westphalia provide the answer. Discover now!

There is more child benefit, tax allowances are being increased and the minimum wage is also rising for trainees: Here is an overview of the most important topics!

How do expectations, wishes and life circumstances in the year before graduating from high school influence decisions about future careers and education? For the level-up study, the Max Planck Institute is looking for 20,000 students from the 2027 Abitur class who will participate together with a parent or guardian from May 2026.