Evaluation of nationwide claims and implementation of benefits for education and social inclusion : Final Report

Abstract

"In 2013, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) commissioned a comprehensive research study on the evaluation of nationwide claims and the implementation of benefits for education and social inclusion (the so-called 'Bildungspaket' (education pact)) that came into force in 2011.<br> The aim of the research project was to find out how the pact for education was implemented locally and in actual practice in towns and communities; what circumstances and factors influenced claims being made for benefits relating to education and social inclusion (BuT); and whether, and how, the benefits reached those entitled to them.<br> The Final Report of the entire evaluation which is now available reveals a many-layered picture. It becomes apparent that legal framework conditions (for instance, authorised local providers, federal state provisions, principles of in-kind benefits), local development paths, the way tasks are understood, and the maxims of how social administration is organised have an effect on practical implementation in the communities in different ways and to varying degrees.<br> Basically: The more simple the submission of an application and its settlement is for the person entitled to the benefit, the more likely an entitled person will make a claim for such BuT benefits. Also, the concrete way in which the so-called 'Hinwirkungsgebot' (requirement to work towards encouraging applications) is organised plays a central role.<br> The surveys show that a large majority (85 of those asked) saw the BuT benefits as a good (additional) support for children and young people. In accordance with this, it was worthwhile making an effort to apply for these benefits. Great support for the education pact also came from the institutions offering those services as well as from schools and the administrations of child daycare centres.<br> In addition, the evaluation indicated a high social acceptance for an earmarked form of meeting needs (the so-called in-kind principle): three-quarters of the households asked were even against a purely monetary benefit. And: as far as those entitled to benefits are concerned, the knowledge(-quota) about the education pact has even risen over the last years. Being aware of the benefits is an important prerequisite for applying for them; this means that with more comprehensive and - possibly also repeated - advisory sessions as well as with a way of approaching clients that is more suited to the target group, the amount of BuT benefits applied for could be raised further." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku)

Cite article

Bartelheimer, P., Henke, J., Kaps, P., Kotlenga, S., Marquardsen, K., Nägele, B., Wagner, A., Söhn, N., Achatz, J. & Wenzig, C. (2016): Evaluation der bundesweiten Inanspruchnahme und Umsetzung der Leistungen für Bildung und Teilhabe. Schlussbericht. Göttingen, 256 p.