Funding for Early Help Services (Schutzengel State Program)

The Schutzengel State Program targets local youth welfare organizations in Schleswig-Holstein. The goal is to provide psychosocial support for pregnant women, expectant fathers, and families with young children, especially through guidance systems and low-threshold services.

Personnel and material costs for specific services at the interfaces of different social welfare systems are funded, focusing on guidance systems and low-threshold access to Early Help. The funding aims to support the provision of these important services.

Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant and covers up to 80 percent of the eligible expenses. The overall financing and a co-payment from the local youth welfare organization must be ensured.

To receive funding, the services must meet certain quality criteria that ensure integration into the Early Help network and the promotion of parenting and relationship skills. The overall financial funding of the project must be guaranteed.

The application procedure for the Schutzengel State Program requires a written submission to the Ministry of Social Affairs, Youth, Family, Seniors, Integration, and Equality by November 30 of the preceding year for funding in the following year. Disbursement occurs in partial amounts and is linked to the timely submission of the proof of use.

The Schutzengel State Program is based on a specific guideline from the state of Schleswig-Holstein and is supported by state laws and the State Budget Ordinance. The details of the funding-related guidelines are enshrined in the Schleswig-Holstein Early Help State Concept.