The Child and Youth Welfare Association (AGJ) organises a DJHT every three to four years, with the first such event taking place in 1964. Around 40.000 experts and other interested individuals from all over Germany and Europe attend this three-day event to exchange opinions and experiences, and to strengthen networks. The agenda features a wide range of events by researchers and practitioners representing many different perspectives, making the DJHT an ideal place for experts to learn and develop. Moreover, the DJHT provides an in-depth insight into current theoretical and practical debates in the child and youth welfare community and related fields of activity (such as health, school, law, employment, etc.). The audience is just as diverse attracting social workers, scouts, day-care teachers, outreach workers, youth welfare office directors, high-ranking Ministry representatives, policymakers, and researchers. DJHT is a fixture in the calendar for all experts, whether volunteers or full-time employees, who work with and for young people and their families. It makes a valuable contribution towards assisting children and young people in growing up successfully, while also helping the Child and Youth Welfare Community to develop and evolve.

DJHT comprises two complementary components, a conference and an exhibition space, each with their own multi-faceted, diverse, informative, and creative agendas. Attendance is free of charge.

A large number of child and youth welfare organisations and institutions, as well as other related fields of activity, don’t just attend the DJHT, they actively help shape its agenda. Around 300 organisations and institutions take part as exhibitors, offering visitors and experts deep insights into their valuable work. They use the exhibition as a platform for personal interaction – ideal for networking, connecting with potential new staff, engaging in professional dialogue, learning from each other’s experiences, and developing new ideas.

The conference agenda features around 280 events covering a broad range of themes, providing professionals with essential knowledge and valuable inspiration. Participants can attend informative presentations, take part in engaging workshops, and explore compelling case studies and innovative concepts. Participants gain insights into the latest research, methods, approaches, and ongoing debates within both academic and professional communities.

In recent years, the DJHT has expanded to include a European dimension: Europe@DJHT. This initiative aims to attract a broader, more international expert audience and foster cross-border dialogue on current developments in the child and youth welfare field. The European program is fully integrated into both the conference and exhibition, featuring around 30 European or international events as part of the official agenda, along with complementary activities during the exhibition and evening program.

Europe@DJHT is jointly organised by the Child and Youth Welfare Association (AGJ) and JUGEND für Europa, the National Agency for the EU programs Erasmus+ Youth, Erasmus+ Sport, and the European Solidarity Corps in Germany.

The 18th edition of the DJHT took place from 13 to 15 May 2025 in Leipzig under the title:
“It’s about the big picture: making democracy happen by participating”
(Weil es ums Ganze geht: Demokratie durch Teilhabe verwirklichen!)

The crises of recent years and the present are calling into question many things that are taken for granted, exposing social conflicts or even fuelling them. Almost everything is being renegotiated in our societies. This has a direct impact on the lives of children and young people, on the structures for education and daycare, and on participation in society and democracy. The DJHT provided a platform to address precisely these issues.

The 19th edition of the DJHT will probably take place in 2029. We will announce more information as soon as it becomes clear. You can subscribe on our newsletter if you want us to keep you updated.