Low-threshold Youth Counseling Centers

Within the framework of the low-threshold youth counseling centers in Lower Austria, counseling and therapy services specifically tailored to regional needs are supported, enabling young people to receive psychosocial individual counseling or therapeutic support. A prerequisite is an eligibility determination in accordance with § 26 of the Lower Austrian Child and Youth Welfare Act as well as activities within the social services of independent youth welfare organizations. Providers must supply an independent infrastructure and employ qualified professionals who provide expert assistance independently of youth centers and extracurricular activities. Funding is exclusively aimed at non-profit organizations that can offer a low-threshold service focusing on individual and group counseling in their low-threshold facilities.

As a lump-sum grant, this form of financing allows for flexible use of funds, with the amount of the subsidy depending on the available state funds. Applications can be submitted at any time – without a fixed deadline – to the Office of the Lower Austrian State Government, Department of Finance, F1. Required documents include the official application form for funding requests, a current extract from the association or commercial register to verify eligibility to apply, as well as documents for proof of use (report and form). Since its entry into force in December 2013, the funding has sustainably contributed to providing children and young people in challenging life situations with low-threshold, professionally supported services, strengthening their psychosocial resilience, and opening up prospects for healthy development.