Inhalt
The Free State
A State for Families
Families need Perspectives
Social cohesion in society begins with the family. Young families above all need a great deal of support, whether it is a matter of childcare and work, of school, upbringing and leisure time activities, or simply of consideration and understanding in everyday life. Providing a family-friendly environment is the duty not only of the state, but also of the whole of society.
Childcare
For many parents childcare opportunities are a decisive factor when it comes to combining work and a family. Bavaria is expanding its range of childcare services in kindergartens, day-care centres, and crèches and aims to fully satisfy the demand for places for schoolchildren and also for children under three by 2008.
In 2006 childcare subsidies in the state total 575 million Euros. In addition Bavaria has in the last five years invested 313 million Euros obtained from privatisation measures and created 30,000 new childcare places throughout the state. This is an important measure so that parents do not have to decide between working and having a family, particularly in view of the fact that more women work in Bavaria than in the other federal states.
Social Responsibility for Children and Young People
Social responsibility for children and young people is a central social duty. About 80 youth organisations with approximately 800,000 members and more than 100,000 volunteer workers are dedicated to youth work in all parts of Bavaria. They want to encourage independence and creativity in young people, to foster social commitment and co-operation, and to reduce social discrimination.
The state has earmarked 43 million Euros for its children's and young people's programme to promote young people's development and enable them to gain the key qualifications that will set them on the path towards a good future. This programme includes a wide variety of educational and further training programmes at school and in firms, advice centres for young people and their parents, model projects in social crisis areas, and campaigns to protect young people and prevent violence.
