OSLO, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Danish government on Monday announced an allocation of more than 250 million Danish kroner (39 million U.S. dollars) over the next three years to help vulnerable young people enter the labor market or the education system.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Employment, the funding will be available to municipalities nationwide and will specifically target support for young people experiencing mental health disorders.
Beginning next year, the funds will support two employment initiatives: "More Young People Must Join" and "Individual Placement and Support" (IPS). The IPS model, which fosters close cooperation between psychiatric care and employment agencies, has previously demonstrated positive results in helping people with mental health challenges secure jobs or prusue education.
"More young people must be part of the community. We must do even more to help vulnerable young people find a job that suits their needs," said Employment Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek. "I hope the help will contribute to far more young people growing and gaining a foothold in society through jobs or education."
Municipalities are expected to receive final confirmation of their funding in January. The allocation adds to 519 million Danish kroner already committed earlier this year under the "Youth Promise" initiative, which has a total budget of 2.3 billion Danish kroner allocated through 2035. (1 Danish krone = 0.157 U.S. dollar)
