How Luxembourg Protects Its Children: Inside the Services Supporting Young People in Need

Every child deserves safety, respect and the chance to grow up with dignity. While Luxembourg ranks among the strongest countries in the world for child protection — topping the 2024 KidsRights Index — situations still arise where children face violence, neglect or exploitation. When that happens, a network of dedicated services steps in to protect and support them.

The foundation of Luxembourg’s child protection approach lies in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which outlines three essential categories of rights: provision, protection and participation. These rights ensure that every child has access to education, healthcare and safety, is shielded from abuse, and is listened to in matters concerning their well-being.

At the heart of Luxembourg’s protective framework is the National Office for Children (ONE). Created in 2008, it supports children, young people and families facing distress or risk. Soon, ONE will merge with the Childhood Aid Service to strengthen its preventive and centralised role in juvenile protection. The organisation offers personalised support plans ranging from social care and emergency placements to educational assistance and therapy. Thanks to its close coordination with national and neighbouring organisations, ONE helps guide families to the right services and promotes early intervention to prevent harm.

With one national office and fourteen regional branches, ONE remains accessible to families across the country. It also supports parents through an online Parents’ Forum that encourages peer exchange and mutual support. Cooperation with similar authorities in Germany, France and Belgium further strengthens the cross-border protection of vulnerable children.

Another key pillar is the Children's Village Luxembourg (SOS Kannerduerf), which provides a safe home for children who cannot remain with their families. Their residential homes offer stability — whether temporary or long-term — and are complemented by counselling services for children, families and foster parents.

For issues relating to children’s rights, OKaJu, the Ombudsman for Children and Young People, ensures that every child’s voice is heard. Children and teenagers under 18, as well as parents or concerned third parties, can seek their support or file complaints if rights have been violated.

The Luxembourg Red Cross also plays a vital role. It offers social support, crisis intervention, medical assistance and legal guidance. For children caught in family conflict or stressful custody situations, the Red Cross provides counselling and supervised meetings that prioritise the child’s emotional well-being. It also supports young people in taking steps toward independence through youth centres and camps.

When urgent help is needed, the Péitrusshaus provides a 24/7 emergency hotline and shelter for young people aged 12 to 21. Staff members offer immediate support, mediation and a safe place for those in crisis. Young people can call or walk directly into the centre at Luxembourg-Gare.

For cases of missing children or cross-border emergencies, the European-wide hotline 116 000 connects callers to the relevant protection service, ensuring rapid assistance.

Together, these services form a strong safety net that reflects Luxembourg’s commitment to safeguarding every child. While challenges remain, the country’s comprehensive approach shows that protecting young people is not just a responsibility — it is a priority woven into its social fabric.
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