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  • Policy Brief
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Opportunities for Children

Chancen für Kinder
Published
January 26, 2026
Authors

  • Dr. Dominic Afscharian

  • Torben Fischer

  • Laura Bänsch

  • Sara Herrmann

  • Nele Hüfner
Contact
Judith Straub
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Overview

Many children in Germany grow up with unequal opportunities. Poverty as well as limited access to education, childcare, and social services shape life trajectories early on and have lasting effects.

The European Child Guarantee provides a shared framework to address child poverty preventively and to improve social opportunities. The policy brief shows that while child-related policy measures in Germany are diverse, they are often fragmented and difficult to access. A comparison with other EU member states highlights the significant learning potential for Germany. Better coordination, simplified access, and targeted investments in childcare and participation can make support services more effective and help reduce inequalities in opportunities.

Authors

Dr. Dominic Afscharian

Project Manager

Dominic Afscharian applies his research experience and methodological expertise to the project work at the ZSP.

Torben Fischer

Senior Project Manager

Torben Fischer is not only responsible for planning and managing projects at the ZSP, he is also in charge of designing and developing studies and projects.

Laura Bänsch

Alumni

Laura Bänsch worked as a project assistant at ZSP from November 2022 to December 2025.

Sara Herrmann

Alumni

Sara Herrmann supports the research department as an intern.

Nele Hüfner

Alumni

Nele Hüfner works as an intern. Her responsibilities include political monitoring, participating in our projects, and assisting with events in the political and pre-political arena. She also helps with background research in preparation for stakeholder discussions.

Further information

  • Policy Paper
  • 4 Authors

Fostering Children’s Opportunities

How administrative fragmentation limits opportunities for children in Germany – and what can be learned from successful approaches in other European countries.

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