Juleica; Application

The Juleica is the nationwide standard identification card for volunteers in youth work. It serves as proof of identity and qualification and expresses appreciation for volunteer work in youth programs.

Youth welfare offices are generally responsible for issuing the Juleica (specifically, for ordering and distributing it). Local jurisdiction is determined by the location of the sponsoring organization or its subdivision for which the youth leader works.

Requirements for Obtaining the Juleica

• The Juleica is intended for volunteer youth leaders working in youth services. It may also be issued to part-time and full-time staff members, provided they perform the duties of youth leaders.
• A prerequisite is that the youth leader works for an organization recognized under Section 75 of SGB VIII as a provider of independent youth welfare services or for a provider of public youth welfare services.
• The work must be performed continuously over an extended period of time.
• The Juleica holder must have completed practical and theoretical training for the role of youth leader that meets the quality standards listed below. The person must be capable of responsibly planning and carrying out activities with children and adolescents.
• A recognized vocational training in education or a corresponding university or technical college degree (e.g., early childhood educator, social pedagogue, religious educator, educator, deacon, or child and therapeutic care worker) that meets the required quality standards may be recognized.
• As a general rule, the Juleica holder must be at least 16 years of age. In special cases, which must be justified by the issuing organization, the card may also be issued to individuals who are 15 years of age.
• The Juleica holder must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of first aid in accordance with the Common Principles for Training and Continuing Education in First Aid of the Federal Working Group on First Aid (BAGEH) (currently: 9 instructional units of 45 minutes each). Exceptions are governed by the Driver’s License Regulation (FeV). Alternatively, a “First Aid for Children” course of the same duration may be completed. The completion of such a course must not have taken place more than three years prior to the initial application for the Juleica.

Quality Standards

A key requirement for obtaining the Juleica is that youth leaders have received qualified training.

The standards listed below are so-called minimum quality standards. Basic training programs that meet these standards qualify participants to receive the “Juleica.”

• The training must consist of at least 34 hours (including practical supervision), of which at least 15 hours must be in-person. Even if the basic training includes web-based components, these must take place in a group setting with professional supervision.
• The training should be led by individuals who possess a professional pedagogical qualification and/or extensive experience in youth work and course instruction.
• The training should be conducted using engaging methods and ensure reflection on the material as well as its application in practice.
• The group of participants serves as an exemplary learning environment for the practice of group work.
• The training should be structured in such a way that its progression can itself serve as an example of the appropriate use of these methods. Participants should therefore be appropriately involved in its implementation and design.

Specifically, the following topics must be covered:

• The life situations of children and adolescents, with particular attention to a gender-sensitive perspective
• Basic knowledge of child and adolescent development
• The role of a youth leader (tasks, function, boundaries)
• Teaching group pedagogy in theory and practice
• Methodological competence
• Planning and implementing activities using practical examples (e.g., weekend camps, youth education programs, international youth exchanges, etc.)
• Structures of youth work (democratic organization, participatory decision-making, voluntary participation, and volunteerism)
• Value systems of youth organizations
• Legal and insurance issues
• Prevention of sexualized violence and addressing sexual boundary violations in child and youth work

Cross-cutting themes such as participation and inclusion of all children and youth (diversity, inclusion, gender equality) and sustainability are integrated into all course content.

However, each youth work provider reserves the right to require or provide the necessary additional content and qualifications—particularly those specific to the organization—for the leaders of its programs.

The Juleica is issued for a maximum validity period of three years. If the individual continues to work in this field, a new application should generally be submitted no later than 18 months after the current Juleica expires.

To renew (reissue) the Juleica, you must provide proof of participation in one or more continuing education courses in the field of youth welfare totaling at least 8 hours. These courses may be completed entirely online. As with the basic training, the continuing education courses must take place in a group setting and under professional supervision.

In addition, for the renewal (reissuance) of the Juleica, we recommend working toward refreshing first-aid skills in accordance with the Joint Principles of the BAGEH.

• The following documents are required:
  
  • Proof of relevant training or continuing education
  • Proof of completion of a first-aid course for first-time applicants
  • Photograph

No fee is charged for the issuance of the Juleica, which is in the public interest.

If the Juleica must be reissued due to loss, the applicant may be required to reimburse the costs.