The ‘Children and Youth Forum 2026’ project strengthens the political and social participation of young people in residential youth welfare services. The aim is to create a safe space where they can articulate their specific experiences, rights and concerns, develop joint demands and initiate concrete improvements for their everyday lives in residential groups. The central objectives are: recognition of young people as experts in their own lives, systematic feedback of their results to institutions, association structures, professional practice and youth welfare policy, and the reduction of stigmatisation through visible public contributions by young people. The forum also serves as a non-formal learning space where skills in participation, project design, moderation and negotiation are developed. The European dimension will be strengthened by a trip to Brussels in spring 2027, where the young people will present their findings directly to EU stakeholders.