Economic Youth Welfare (WiJu)
Economic youth welfare (WiJu) is a central component of public child and youth welfare. It ensures that young people in need of help and their families receive the financial support they need to take advantage of educational and social assistance in accordance with the German Social Code (SGB VIII).
This does not involve benefits directly to the children or parents, but rather the financing of measures provided by the General Social Service (ASD) or other specialised services - for example educational support, residential placements or outpatient care services.
What are the tasks of Economic Youth Welfare?
Economic Youth Welfare is responsible for the economic processing, review and authorisation of youth welfare services in accordance with SGB VIII. Its central tasks include
- Examination and authorisation of services in accordance with §§27 ff. of SGB VIIII (e.g. home education, socio-educational family support)
- Calculation and payment of costs for assistance measures
- Collection of cost contributions from parents, children or young people §§ 90 ff. of SGB VIII
- Cooperation with organisations, facilities and foster families to finance services
- Examination of responsibilities and assumption of costs for supra-local assistance cases
- Participation in assistance plan procedures, in particular regarding economic feasibility
What are the areas of economic youth welfare?
Economic youth welfare comprises various sub-areas that work closely with the educational services:
1. educational assistance (HzE)
- Financing of outpatient, day-care and inpatient assistance (§§ 27-25 SGB VIII)
- Cooperation with independent organisations, foster families and facilities
2. integration assistance for children with an (impending) mental disability (Section 35a SGB VIII)
- Assumption of costs for therapeutic and educational services
- Co-operation with schools, therapists and parents
3. child day care
- Assumption of costs and cost sharing for crèche, kindergarten, after-school care or day care
- Calculation of parental contributions
4. youth social work and protective measures
- Economic processing of services in acute crises or in the event of involuntary custody
5. cost contribution system
- Collection of cost contributions from beneficiaries
Examination of income, assets and maintenance obligations
What is the aim of economic youth welfare?
Economic youth welfare ensures that assistance is financed in a timely, needs-orientated and efficient manner. It ensures the financial framework within which educational professionals can provide targeted support. The welfare of the child or young person always takes centre stage.
