Integration assistance for mentally handicapped children and adolescents
In contrast to educational assistance, the law does not attach the claim to the person entitled to custody, but to the child or adolescent himself.
Children or adolescents are entitled to integration assistance if 1.) their mental health is very likely to deviate from the condition typical of their age for more than six months and 2.) therefore, their participation in life in society is impaired or such an impairment is to be expected.
In order to determine the deviation from mental health, the public youth welfare institution must obtain the opinion of a child and adolescent psychiatrist or therapist.
The overall technical responsibility for the decision and granting of assistance in accordance with § 35 a SGB VIII lies with the local youth welfare agency.
Assistance will be provided according to the needs of each individual case.
- in outpatient form,
- in day care facilities for children or in other day-care facilities,
- by suitable caregivers and
- in day and night facilities as well as other forms of housing.
The basis for the legal entitlement to assistance according to § 35a of the Social Code - Eighth Book (SGB VIII) is the classification of mental disorders according to the currently valid International Classification of Mental Disorders, as published by the World Health Organization (ICD-10).
The assistance according to § 35a SGB VIII is aimed at children and adolescents and ends at the age of 18. Young adults who are mentally disabled or threatened by such a disability are therefore not entitled to § 35a SGB VIII. For this group of people, assistance for young adults according to SGB VIII or integration assistance for mentally handicapped persons (adults) according to § 53 SGB XII can be considered. This provision also integrates the (imminent) mental disability.
Young people who have reached the age of 15 can apply for benefits themselves – in contrast to help with education – and pursue them. However, the consent of the custodians with regard to the determination of residence is required if assistance is granted outside the family.
Who should I contact?
The responsibility lies with the youth welfare office of the district or the independent city.
Which documents are required?
Documents may be required. Please contact the competent authority.
What are the fees?
Integration assistance for mentally handicapped children and adolescents is financed by the Youth Welfare Office. The latter provides the services itself or assumes the costs agreed with the carriers. The use of the costs incurred will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
There are no deadlines to be observed.
What else should I know?
Applications for integration assistance for mentally handicapped children and adolescents should be submitted to the competent authority.
Technically approved by
Lower Saxony State Office for Social Affairs, Youth and Family
Author
The text was automatically translated based on the German content.
