At the close of 2025, Berlin foster families cared for 2.001 children and teenagers, marking a continuing multi-year decline in family-based placements according to data released by the Berlin Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family. Ten years earlier, in 2015, the city recorded 2.820 children in foster care. While placements dropped steadily over the decade, the total saw a slight one-year rebound from 1.978 children in 2024.
Decline in Active Foster Homes and Rising Institutional Care
Alongside the drop in children placed in homes, the number of available foster placements in Berlin fell significantly. According to the Senate administration, the city counted 1.620 occupied foster positions at the end of 2021, but that figure shrank to 1.466 by the end of 2025. Because a single foster location can accommodate multiple children, the reduction directly impacts the city’s capacity to place youths in family settings.
When family placements are unavailable, youth welfare offices rely on institutional facilities such as residential group homes or supervised living arrangements. Official figures show that 6.650 young people lived in such facilities at the end of 2025.
Berlin Urgently Seeks Infants and Crisis Placements
Children enter the foster system when parents struggle with parental responsibilities and the child’s well-being is at risk. Short-term foster care—often called emergency care or Bereitschaftspflege—typically lasts three to six months. Conversely, most children enter indefinite full-time care, remaining with their foster families until they turn 18.
The Senate administration stated that Berlin urgently needs additional foster families, particularly for infants and toddlers. The city requires homes for both permanent placements and short-term crisis admissions. Due to a shortage of family spots, 110 babies and children aged zero to three lived in specialized children’s residential groups at the end of 2025.
New Crisis Care Placements Planned Across Districts
To address the shortage of short-term options, Berlin is developing a citywide emergency crisis care system. The Senate administration plans to establish at least two dedicated foster positions per city district specifically for children aged zero to six.
To honor existing caregivers and recruit new applicants, the Berlin Foster Children Assistance program is hosting its 24th annual Berlin Foster Family Day. The free public festival takes place on Sunday, September 6, at the Spandau Citadel, featuring market stalls, games, and circus performances for the community.
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