When children and adolescents do not attend school The school psychological counseling center of the Oberbergischer Kreis and the school department of the Kirchenkreis an der Agger organized a two-part event on the topic of "school absenteeism."

Oberbergischer Kreis. Around 60 representatives of schools in the Oberbergischer Kreis participated in a two-part event on the topic of “school absenteeism” organized by the School Psychological Counseling Center of the Oberbergischer Kreis and the School Department of the Kirchenkreis an der Agger.

School absenteeism is a complex and challenging phenomenon and can refer to both anxiety-related absences (school anxiety or school phobia) and non-anxiety-related absences (truancy).

“Absence is not just absence!” emphasized Marianne Haupt, head of the School Psychological Counseling Center. “The dynamic of a student who cannot cope with excessive performance demands and therefore avoids school by staying away is completely different from the dynamic of a student who no longer sees any purpose in attending school and consequently has no desire to go to school.”

For all support and intervention, it is therefore essential to first consider the possible causes behind a student's absence. The problem often begins subtly but carries the risk of developing into a permanent avoidance behavior. Therefore, it is important to take the problem seriously early enough and to utilize prevention and intervention opportunities, added Marianne Haupt.

Estimates suggest that five to ten percent of all students in Germany regularly miss classes (Joachim-Herz-Stiftung, 2023). The phenomenon is not new, but science and practice observe that the number of children and adolescents skipping classes has significantly increased over the last ten years (Caritas, 2025).

The event aimed to provide an overview of various action aspects regarding school absenteeism and support options for school staff responsible in the Oberbergischer Kreis.

In the first session, Stefan Schwall (teacher, Gestalt therapist, and founder of the award-winning social enterprise APEIROS) offered a scientifically based and practice-oriented insight into the topic. In the second session, participants discussed the challenges and various support options and services with experts in the field of school absenteeism.

All participants agreed that swift action is needed in cases of school absenteeism. The educational trajectory of the affected child or adolescent could quickly be at risk. The event highlighted that there is an extensive network of institutions in the Oberbergischer Kreis that can be approached in cases of school absenteeism.

In addition to school social work, which is located directly at schools, parents seeking advice can turn to school psychology or parenting/family counseling centers in the Oberbergischer Kreis (see below).
In some cases, the Child and Adolescent Health Service of the Health Department or the Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy are the appropriate points of contact. The Youth Welfare Office and the School Office also provide support as institutions for those affected.

Selected initial points of contact for parents

School Psychological Counseling Center of the Oberbergischer Kreis
Tel. 02261 884060
For teachers: Handout “Orientation guide for teachers: Action aspects in cases of school absenteeism” at
https://bildung-in-oberberg.de/cms200schule/schule/schulpsy/tippselternlehrkraefte/index.shtml
“Der Baumhof” in Gummersbach
Counseling center for parents, children, adolescents, and young adults
Tel. 02261 885710
“Herbstmühle” in Wipperfürth
Psychological counseling center for parents, children, and young adults
Tel. 02267 3034
“Haus für Alle” in Waldbröl
Evangelical counseling center for parenting, family, marriage, and life issues
Tel. 02291 4068

Sources:

Expertinnen und Experten gaben praxisnahe Einblicke in die Arbeitsweis jener Organisationen und Akteure, die neben der Schule selbst mit dem Thema betraut und vertraut sind und erfuhren, wer in welchen Fällen wie unterstützen kann: (v.l.) Martin Nanzig, Dr. Katja Schwartz und Marianne Haupt, Schulpsychologische Beratungsstelle des Oberbergischen Kreises; Heike Veit, Schulsozialarbeiterin an der Gemeinschaftshauptschule Bergneustadt; Dr. med. Stefanie Löffler, Oberärztin, Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und –Psychotherapie, Marienheide; Natalia Jörg, Kinder- und Jugendärztlicher Dienst Gesundheitsamt des Oberbergischen Kreises; Larissa Martin, Jugendamt der Stadt Gummersbach; Dr. Thomas Köhler-Saretzki, Psychologische Beratungsstelle Herbstmühle für Eltern, Kinder, Jugendliche, Wipperfürth (Foto: OBK) — Experts provided practical insights into the working methods of those organizations and actors who, alongside the school itself, are entrusted and familiar with the topic, and learned who can support in which cases and how: (from left) Martin Nanzig, Dr. Katja Schwartz, and Marianne Haupt, School Psychological Counseling Center of the Oberbergischer Kreis; Heike Veit, School Social Worker at the Bergneustadt Community Secondary School; Dr. Stefanie Löffler, Senior Physician, Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Marienheide; Natalia Jörg, Child and Adolescent Medical Service, Health Department of the Oberbergischer Kreis; Larissa Martin, Youth Welfare Office of the City of Gummersbach; Dr. Thomas Köhler-Saretzki, Psychological Counseling Center Herbstmühle for Parents, Children, Adolescents, Wipperfürth (Photo: OBK)

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