Ensuring the Networks for Early Support and Psychosocial Assistance for Families

With the grant program "Ensuring the Networks for Early Support and Psychosocial Assistance for Families," the state of Saxony-Anhalt supports the comprehensive establishment of interdisciplinary network structures. The goal is to secure low-threshold access to psychosocial counseling, support, and developmental promotion for families with infants and toddlers up to three years old. Eligible for funding are local providers of public youth welfare as primary recipients, as well as public, independent, or private providers and freelance individuals such as family midwives as secondary recipients. The measures are based on the service guidelines of the Federal Foundation for Early Support and build upon initiatives that began as of January 1, 2012. By bundling competencies from youth welfare, healthcare, and other social sectors, sustainable forms of cooperation are created that guarantee coordinated and case-specific support for families.

Funding is provided as an annual grant with a basic lump sum of 20,000 euros, supplemented by a child component based on the number of children aged zero to three years being cared for. Eligible expenses include material costs and personnel expenses, with the use subject to nationwide uniform quality criteria. In addition to the aforementioned providers, freelance professionals are also eligible to apply, provided the measures are carried out based on youth welfare planning and implemented by qualified professionals. Furthermore, the previous expansion of the networks must be documented, and networking with other local support systems must be demonstrated. Applications must be submitted annually by October 31 for the following year to the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, and Equality of Saxony-Anhalt. Approval by the ministry ensures a targeted strengthening of local early support structures and makes a significant contribution to the psychosocial support of young families.