The task of the procedure guides is to advise young people up to their 27th birthday in connection with a disability. They support and accompany young people in realizing existing benefit entitlements and claiming their rights. The focus of advice and support on the subject of disability and rehabilitation is on integration assistance in accordance with SGB VIII and SGB IX.

Procedural guides provide confidential support and guidance in navigating the usually complex system of integration assistance and work to ensure that young people are able to claim their benefits. Since January 1, 2024, procedural guides have been required by law (Section 10b (1) of the Eighth Social Code SGB VIII) and are part of the Youth Welfare Office in the city of Erlangen.

This means that procedure guides...

• are guided by the wishes of the young people and their families and help to develop tailor-made support
• provide independent, uncomplicated and comprehensive advice
• provide information about rights, entitlements and possible benefits
• assist with the application process, e.g. filling out or formulating applications
• accompany you to appointments and planning procedures on request and work to ensure that individual participation and support needs are met
• explain what the decision says and what legal remedies are available if necessary

Who can contact the procedure guides?

• All young people up to their 27th birthday with (possible) entitlements to integration assistance
• Their legal guardians and custodians,
• their foster parents and all persons who have a corresponding power of attorney,
• their legal guardians (e.g. in the case of young adults)

Advice is free, confidential and can be provided (anonymously if desired) in person, by telephone, online or by email. Sandra Leykauf and Josephine Ruccius are the procedural guides at the City of Erlangen.

What else do procedure guides do?

The Children and Youth Strengthening Act (KJSG ), which came into force in June 2021, has set the course for inclusive child and youth welfare. The aim of the law is that from 2028, integration assistance services for all children and young people with disabilities will be brought together under the umbrella of child and youth welfare, the so-called inclusive solution or help from a single source.

The process pilots therefore have the additional task of supporting Erlangen's youth welfare services in the long-term process of becoming inclusive. To this end, experience from the advisory contacts with the target group is used to derive recommendations for inclusive organizational development.

Where else can young people find out about disability-related benefits?

Children, adolescents and young people can find further information on disability and illness benefits, youth welfare services and financial support here: KiJu Digital