Pregnancy counseling; application for statutory funding from state-approved counseling centers

Purpose

The funding of state-recognized pregnancy advice centres with a defined catchment area is intended to ensure a sufficient range of advice centres close to where people live.

Object

The personnel and material expenses necessary for the operation of a recognized advice centre are eligible. Eligible material expenses are in particular

• Equipping the advice center (office equipment, room maintenance) to an appropriate extent
• Procurement and operation of hardware and software for electronic data processing, for central information and communication services and for office machines
• Rent and ancillary rental costs for premises of an appropriate size
• Further training measures including travel costs
• Supervision for full-time specialists in pregnancy conflict counseling
• Remuneration of freelance staff, if necessary and the tasks cannot be covered by the specialist staff
• Office supplies
• insurance
• Connection and usage costs for telecommunications, internet and postage
• Travel expenses for full-time specialists
• Materials for awareness-raising and education
• Printed matter, advertisements, posters, other public relations announcements
• specialist books and journals.

Recipients of funding

Eligible applicants are the providers of recognized pregnancy advice centres with a defined catchment area that meet the requirements of Art. 16 and 17 of the Bavarian Pregnancy Advice Act (BaySchwBerG).

Type and amount

Funding is provided as partial funding within the framework of statutory funding. The funding rate is 80% of the eligible expenses of an advice center for pregnancy issues (necessary personnel and material expenses in accordance with the BaySchwBerG and the BaySchwBerV as amended), of which 50% is provided by the Free State of Bavaria and 30% by the participating districts and independent municipalities.

The requirements are based on Art. 16 BaySchwBerG. This includes, for example

• state recognition,
• minimum staffing,
• Involvement of psychologists, doctors, lawyers,
• opening hours,
• annual activity report,
• no cooperation with abortion facilities,

In addition, Art. 17 BaySchwBerG places requirements on the providers. These must, for example

• belong to the public or independent welfare sector,
• have the necessary experience,
• offer a guarantee of proper advice and fulfillment of the obligations under Art. 16 BaySchwBerG,
• oblige their employees to maintain confidentiality,
• ensure that they receive supervision and professional training.

The application and verification of use is carried out by the government of Middle Franconia.