Financing in danger: Brandenburg advice centers about to close!

Financing in danger: Brandenburg advice centers about to close!

There is currently heated debate about the future of pregnancy counseling centers in Brandenburg. How rbb24 According to reports, numerous advice centers are facing closure if financial support from the state is not urgently increased. The social associations, including the DRK regional association, are particularly concerned about the supply in Strausberg, Bernau, Oranienburg, Hennigsdorf and Gransee.

“Pregnancy conflict counseling is a statutory duty,” said Social Minister Britta Müller’s clear statement. The law requires that there must be one full-time counselor for every 40,000 residents. However, the current situation in the state shows an alarming imbalance: According to the League of Independent Welfare Services in Brandenburg, there is a lack of more than 2 specialist advice centers among the approximately 2.56 million inhabitants, as only 63.5 of the 66 necessary positions are required.

Need for digital advice

In order to ensure creative use of digitalization, the draft of the new legislative initiative provides for digital pregnancy conflict counseling to be included in the Pregnancy Conflict Act. MGS reports that this concern is supported by the equal opportunities and women's ministries of the federal states. Minister Müller is aware of the challenges in large states like Brandenburg and sees online offerings as an opportunity to improve access to advice.

More and more people in Brandenburg are using online advice, which increases the need for GDPR-compliant platforms. This could help better meet counseling needs covering areas such as pregnancy counseling, family planning and sexual counseling. 5,304,000 euros are already planned for 2025 and 5,518,300 euros for 2026 for pregnancy and pregnancy conflict counseling centers in double households.

Why is an increase in funding necessary?

The League of Independent Welfare Services is strongly in favor of increasing the fixed amount per full-time position, from the current 81,000 euros to 110,000 euros. In total, a total increase of 1.6 million euros is required. This financial support is crucial in order to maintain the supply stations in the country and, if necessary, avoid closures. “We are already noticing a deterioration in care close to home,” reports worried Ute Herrmann from the advice center in Strausberg.

In conclusion, it can be said that the desired digital solution and the desired increase in financing are important in order to ensure the diversity of advisory services in Brandenburg. The offer currently includes topics such as abortion, sex education and social support - essential counseling services that are an integral part of our everyday lives. The advice centers reach a wide audience and are indispensable for many people in difficult life situations.

For detailed information about pregnancy and pregnancy conflict counseling centers in Brandenburg, please visit Brandenburg service.