Whether it’s summer camps, weekend trips, or youth leadership roles, youth work in Berlin thrives on the dedication of volunteers. Many of them have full-time jobs and take on additional responsibility for groups of children and teenagers. Until now, this often meant using their own vacation time to make youth work possible. Since January 1, 2020, this has changed: Berlin has introduced the right to special leave for volunteers in youth work—thereby significantly strengthening the framework for volunteer engagement.
The legal basis is Section 10 of the Berlin Act on the Implementation of the Child and Youth Welfare Act (AG KJHG). The key change: What was once a “recommended provision” has become a binding “mandatory provision.” Employers are now required to grant special leave—and may only deny requests if there are compelling operational reasons to do so. This provides legal certainty and planning security for all parties involved.
Who is eligible?
Individuals who volunteer with eligible youth work associations or organizations and can provide proof of appropriate qualifications—such as the Juleica Youth Leader Card—may be granted this leave. Special leave may be requested for up to twelve workdays per calendar year, spread across a maximum of three events. Typical areas of activity include summer camps, training camps, or educational trips.
Paid or unpaid leave?
The entitlement initially applies only to time off—not automatically to continued pay. Whether wages continue to be paid during special leave depends on provisions in the employment contract, collective bargaining agreements, or a company agreement. If none of these apply, the employer decides whether the special leave will be paid or unpaid. In any case, however, the entitlement to time off remains.
How does the application process work?
A request for special leave must be submitted in writing to the employer. In addition, a confirmation from the youth organization or the sponsoring agency is required, stating that the volunteer work is being performed as part of a program. Many youth organizations already have prepared sample application forms that simplify the process.
Why is this regulation so important?
Youth work is an indispensable part of our community: It strengthens social skills, promotes participation, and creates spaces where young people can explore their potential and grow. At the same time, youth work relies on volunteer engagement. Creating favorable conditions for volunteers is therefore an investment in the future.
Special leave for volunteers ensures fairness. It prevents volunteer work from coming at the expense of personal rest and supports those who take on responsibility for young people. For clubs and associations, this policy represents clear support for their work. And for Berlin’s youth work as a whole, it sends a message: volunteerism is valuable—and deserves reliable conditions.