Stuttgart is Committing to Inclusive Health and Education Policy – Challenges and Progress in March 2026

Health and Social Policy in Stuttgart: Between Crisis Management and Long-Term Planning

Health and social services are not only central topics in municipal policy in Stuttgart, but also a reflection of the social challenges in a growing and diverse city. In March 2026, several urgent decisions and developments were at the center of the Social and Health Committee – affecting both acute problems and long-term structural adjustments. The discussions show how closely education, health, and social security are linked in the city – and how sensitive they are to crises.

School Support and ASB Termination: A Step Toward Transparency, but With Consequences

The termination of the ASB as the provider of school support for children with disabilities sparked intense discussions during the Social and Health Committee meeting on 09.03.2026. The reason was a violation of the law under §130 S. 2 Nr. 5 SGB IX, which manifested in six-figure billing errors. These included unrendered services, double billing, and services not commissioned. The city responded with a summary termination and a criminal complaint.

However, the consequences for those affected were significant: 146 children were left without familiar support personnel, resulting in a de facto exclusion from school attendance. Although 100 students were able to return to school, 63 support services were transferred to 10 new providers. Parents report communication problems and negative effects on education.

The city is now discussing solutions such as pooling models, in which one support person cares for several children, and compensatory measures, such as tutoring or summer courses. At the same time, those affected are calling for clarity regarding the reasons for the termination and a better communication structure. A cross-party motion for access to the files has been submitted to create transparency.

Implementation of the Federal Participation Act: Challenges in Funding and Organization

The implementation of the Federal Participation Act (BTHG) in Stuttgart is still in the early phase. According to current reports, 48% of people in special housing arrangements lack a needs assessment, and 3,958 benefit decisions with open-ended cost commitments have been issued – yet many eligible individuals are still waiting for their decisions.

The delays stem from structural, organizational, and personnel shortages. The city is calling for concrete funds, reimbursements, and steps for refinancing. At the same time, a transformation process of the social infrastructure is planned in the double budget for 2026/2027, supported by external experts (budget: 250,000 euros).

Starting in 2028, the Youth Office will take over all participation benefits for children, young people, and young adults, enabling a comprehensive view of families. At the same time, a protection concept against violence will become mandatory – a step toward strengthening child protection.

Health Promotion for Children: From Nutrition to Sports Promotion

As part of the "Stuttgart Goals for a Healthy Upbringing," the city supports a wide range of measures for health promotion for children, including:

• Nutrition and drinking concepts in kindergartens and schools with a "Water-Week Plan"
• Sports promotion with additional drinking breaks and movement opportunities
• Prevention through vaccinations, U-checks, teeth-brushing times, and stress management strategies

These measures are implemented in close cooperation with public institutions (e.g., Health Department, Youth Office) and civil society partners (e.g., Caritas, eva Evangelische Gesellschaft). Medical partners such as pediatricians or BARMER complement the work with counseling and support.

Future Outlook: Structural Reforms and Political Responsibility

The political and structural challenges in Stuttgart show that health and social policy must not only react to short-term crises, but also plan ahead and create new structures. The discussions around the Federal Participation Act, the funding of integration support, and the implementation of health goals show that Stuttgart is on a path of reform.

The city plans to be better prepared for future crises with an interdepartmental team and an emergency plan. At the same time, there remains hope for a structural reform law that strengthens inclusion and improves funding.

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