Procedural counsellors support young people with disabilities and their families

The city of Bocholt has a new service for young people with mental, psychological or physical disabilities and their families. So-called procedural guides help to clarify claims for special assistance related to a disability.

In all youth welfare offices throughout Germany, so-called procedure pilots are being established - including in Bocholt. These are specialists who are specifically responsible for counselling and supporting children, adolescents and young adults with (impending) mental, psychological or physical disabilities as well as sensory impairments and their families and offer these people independent support.

Hana Lena Mansfeld and Angelika Grunenberg from the City of Bocholt's Youth and Family Department fulfil this important function. Their task is to provide independent advice and support to those affected. The two counsellors "guide" through the sometimes complex system of integration assistance and answer common questions such as

• "What benefits am I entitled to?",
• "Who is the right contact person?",
• "Which applications have to be submitted where?" or
• "What should I bear in mind when making an application?".

Counselling and support can be obtained at any time - even before an application is made, during ongoing proceedings or when assistance is required.

The Bocholt procedure pilots provide support with applications or correspondence with the authorities, and can also accompany you to appointments on request. They help if "things are not going well", the application is stuck, help has been refused or the right help centre has not yet been found.

The counselling and support services offered by the Bocholt process guides are voluntary, confidential, independent and free of charge.

The counsellors Hana Lena Mansfeld and Angelika Grunenberg can be contacted on 02871 953-2295 or 953-2366 and by email at verfahrenslotsin(at)bocholt(dot)de. Further information can be found at www.bocholt.de/verfahrenslotsen.