Funding of social counseling centers

The state of Rhineland-Palatinate grants public sponsors and institutions of independent welfare services, recognized providers of independent youth welfare, as well as municipal authorities a **partial funding** of their ongoing specialist personnel costs in social counseling centers. Supported services include integrated parenting and family counseling (EFB), marriage, family and life counseling, debt and consumer insolvency counseling, as well as addiction counseling. With a **funding rate** of 25% to 32% of the pure personnel costs, the state government aims to ensure comprehensive coverage and provide those seeking advice with free, confidential access to counseling. The support is primarily directed at professionals from social work, social pedagogy, psychology, and related disciplines who offer free assistance during flexible consultation hours, accessible by phone and digitally.

A prerequisite for funding is a demonstrated regional need by youth or social welfare agencies as well as a coordinated concept with secured overall financing. A **minimum staffing level** must be ensured: three specialist positions for integrated EFB and two specialist positions each in the other counseling fields. Further funding criteria include proof of qualified personnel and adequate municipal subsidies. Only personnel costs are eligible for funding, while material, travel, and infrastructure expenses are excluded. **Required documents** include a completed funding application, the counseling center’s concept, evidence of overall financing and municipal support, as well as personnel qualification and employment certificates. Applications must be submitted to the State Office for Social Affairs, Youth, and Supply by April 1st of each funding year. Transparent allocation and comprehensible documentation of funds ensure an effective strengthening of social counseling structures in Rhineland-Palatinate.