National Preventive Mechanism As repeatedly criticised by the NPM, there is no legal right to support for young adults pursuant to the Federal Children’s and Youth Service Act (BundesKinder- und Jugendhilfegesetz). However, it did concretise the conditions for discretionary measures. The aim of the support for young adults is mainly to help them in becoming independent, which also includes the completion of vocational education. Primarily, the duration of this support is based on the individual needs of the young people and is limited to the end of the 21st year of their life. Provision of support until completion of education On visits to the facilities, the commissions are often told that extending the measures beyond reaching legal age is becoming increasingly difficult. Facilities reported that some Laender only approve an additional period of six months, which causes enormous insecurity for the young people. Many thus do not embark on a secondary school education as minors, as they fear that they will not be able to complete it. Some adolescents are even released from the care of the child and youth welfare facilities during their vocational training. The facilities often keep the young people and finance the costs with the help of donations. The NPM therefore demands that the measures are approved by the competent authorities for child and youth welfare and protection for the entire duration of the adolescents’ vocational training. The decision on continued funding should be taken before the relevant young person reaches legal age, thus making it possible for the adolescents and the facilities to plan. The NPM also often monitors whether barrier-free accessibility is guaranteed in the child and youth welfare facilities. This is bringing about a change of view with the competent authorities. More attention was paid to accessibility for persons with disabilities when remodelling existing and renting new properties. When asked about this topic, many facilities answered that they are examining whether remodelling is possible. Barrier-free accessibility XX The number of socio-therapeutic residential places for children and adolescents must be increased. XX Crisis de-escalation places must meet demand. XX The NPM demands the introduction of performance-related daily rates and regular adjustments. XX Support for young adults must be provided for the entire duration of their education. 141