15 Years of the Center for Child Protection and Early Intervention in Freiburg

Child protection has been firmly established in the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg since 2011 / One-stop counseling, diagnosis, and support / Specialized symposium on current issues in child

For the past 15 years, the Center for Child Protection and Early Intervention (KiZ) at the Center for Pediatrics of the Medical Center – University of Freiburg has been supporting children, adolescents, and families dealing with stress as well as in cases of suspected neglect, abuse, or sexual violence. The interdisciplinary team of pediatricians, pediatric nurses, psychologists, and social workers is directly integrated into outpatient and inpatient care and works closely with private pediatricians, specialized counseling centers, and child and youth welfare agencies. In 2025 alone, the KiZ provided support to 886 children and their families. To mark the anniversary, a symposium for professionals will take place on Friday, September 25, 2026.

“It is our shared responsibility to promote the healthy development of children and adolescents in the region and to protect them from the dangers of neglect, abuse, and sexual violence. With the Center for Child Protection and Early Intervention, we offer a place where children and families can receive support and where indications of potential risk can be assessed from a multidisciplinary perspective,” says Prof. Dr. Ute Spiekerkötter, Medical Director of the Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg.

Providing Early Support and Carefully Assessing Risks

As part of its early intervention services, the KiZ advises parents of infants and toddlers on child development, bonding, and coping with stressful situations. If necessary, the team refers families to local support services.

If indications of a risk to a child’s well-being arise during outpatient or inpatient treatment, the KiZ takes over further investigation in collaboration with the treatment team. The Child Protection Clinic investigates, among other things, suspected cases of physical abuse, sexual violence, or severe neglect. In 2025, 36 percent of the children examined were assessed due to suspected physical abuse, 23 percent due to suspected sexual abuse, and 19 percent due to suspected neglect.

“When signs of potential risk are observed in a child, we carefully compile medical findings, our own observations, and information about the family’s situation. Our goal is to reliably protect the children. To that end, we assess potential risks and quickly arrange appropriate support,” says Dr. Constanze Ziesemer, who serves as the KiZ’s Medical Director alongside Dr. Tanja Gölz, the Psychological Director.

Specialized Symposium Marking the 15th Anniversary

To mark the anniversary, on Friday, September 25, 2026, experts from pediatric and adolescent medicine, forensic medicine, and forensic toxicology, as well as representatives from the criminal investigation department and youth welfare services, will discuss current issues in child protection at a symposium. Topics will include the clues that urine, hair, or even meconium—the so-called “baby’s first stool”—can provide regarding drugs and new psychoactive substances. Additionally, the symposium will address how to conduct child-appropriate examinations that balance medical care with the collection of forensic evidence.

Interested media representatives are welcome to attend this closed-door expert event upon registration. Experts will be made available for interviews upon request.