Funding for Coordinating Child Protection Centers KoKi - Early Childhood Network

The Free State of Bavaria supports Coordinating Child Protection Centers (KoKi) within the framework of the Early Childhood Network to expand preventive child protection measures nationwide through the systematic networking of Early Help services. Public youth welfare agencies in Bavaria receive an annual fixed grant of up to €16,500 to finance personnel capacities. The goal is to reach socially disadvantaged families with infants and toddlers at an early stage, reduce individual situations of overload, and thereby prevent child abuse or neglect. Through the establishment, expansion, and maintenance of regional networks, a binding collaboration among all relevant actors is to be ensured, reducing barriers to child and youth welfare services and strengthening low-threshold support offerings.

A prerequisite for funding is sponsorship by a public youth welfare institution in Bavaria as well as the creation and continuous development of a network-related child protection concept. Personnel resources must include at least 1.5 full-time equivalents with qualified professionals (e.g., degree in social work or comparable qualification). Eligible costs are exclusively personnel expenses. Applications must be submitted in writing or electronically before the start of the funding period to the responsible government authority, with no fixed application deadlines. Required documents include the application for approval of a state grant, detailed cost overviews including a financing plan, and the current status of the child protection concept. The funding creates tailored framework conditions enabling parents in challenging life situations to strengthen their parenting responsibilities and ensuring sustainable protection for children.