New shelter for girls in Deckenpfronn: A safe haven!

New shelter for girls in Deckenpfronn: A safe haven!

A new shelter for girls in crisis situations was opened in Deckenpfronn, in the Böblingen district. This offer is operated by Waldhaus gGmbH on behalf of the district and is specifically designed for female young people between the ages of 12 and 18. The residential group, which is called “Eichenhof”, is housed in an inconspicuous building and offers space for up to six girls, with the possibility of overcrowding and an additional room for siblings. Girls can find temporary accommodation here if they can no longer live in their usual environment for various reasons such as fear of violence, arguments with their parents or general insecurity at home. This was reported by the Stuttgarter Nachrichten on June 22, 2025.

The sanctuary features a welcoming, peaceful environment. With a blooming front garden and hanging heart decorations on the front door, the building conveys a feeling of security. According to the operators, it is important to offer the girls a respectful and safe place where they can find peace.

Skilled workers and capacity needs

Cordula Breining, who is the deputy head of the department and is responsible for implementation, is responsible for leading the care taking group. She is supported by Damaris Krehl-Hennigs and Daniela Bosch, who have already gained experience in looking after young people. Daniela Bosch in particular has been leading a care group for boys in Hildrizhausen for five years and is bringing valuable specialist knowledge to the new group. The work requires not only empathy, but also flexibility in dealing with the girls' individual needs.

In 2024, 61 girls have already been taken into care, with an average length of stay of 50 days. The head of the youth welfare office, Harry Hennig, emphasizes the urgent need for additional capacity, which makes the opening of this care group all the more important. Taking someone into care is a short-term protective measure by the youth welfare office in accordance with Section 42 SGB VIII, which is used in acute crisis situations such as danger, abuse or neglect.

The building in which the care group is housed was previously used by the “Association for Youth Welfare” as “Thistle” and is now rented out by Mevesta e.V. This spatial accommodation enables seamless integration into the existing infrastructure of the Eichenhof residential group, which already represents an important contact point for young people.

The opening of the new shelter marks an important step in supporting girls in difficult life situations, which is of great strategic and human importance.

Further information about this new protection offer can be found on the website of Stuttgart News and Waldhaus youth welfare service.