Research project: Local jurisdiction and reimbursement of expenses in youth welfarein Germany

It is obvious that the prevailing regulations concerning local responsibility and reimbursement of expenses in the youth welfare sector are in urgent need of reform.

The legal regulations are very complicated and can only be described as confusing.

The result is that in some cases, the complicated nature of the legal regulations, rather than leading to a satisfying answer to the underlying legal problem, has the effect of increasing bureaucracy and further complicates the issuing of declarations of jurisdiction and claims for reimbursement.

The research project, which the DIJuF is conducting on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Family, Pensioners, Women and Youth, is designed to develop proposal for reform of the legal regulations (§ 86 until § 89 h German Social Security Code VIII).

A thorough analysis of different perspectives and interests is needed if the reform is to be effective in its impact both on the life of citizens and on the amount of the youth welfare services' bureaucratic work.

Within the scope of this research project a survey is conducted among youth welfare personnel, beneficiaries and service providers.

Additionally a comparative study of German and a foreign regulation is underway in order to gather ideas for shaping future policy.

DIJuF-Contact person:
Diana Eschelbach (E-Mail: eschelbach@dijuf.de)