Visionary social policy

Housing construction, the job market, social security, health care: the Ministry of Social Affairs is responsible for a wide variety of tasks and deals with central issues in the politics of the state. As its contribution to Agenda 21, the Ministry of Social Affairs promotes sustainable housing project development.

The most important area of concern is: the job market. Each year, Niedersachsen offers a large number of support programs to help thousands of people get jobs or improve their vocational qualifications. In social companies, for example, a project which is unique in Germany.

The elderly, the disabled and the socially disadvantaged are entitled to their fair share of a life which is fully integrated into society. To make this possible, Niedersachsen maintains a network of many different counseling and care facilities. An official state representative, for example, has been appointed to represent the interests of the disabled.

The health care program places special emphasis on fighting AIDS and helping drug addicts. In Niedersachsen, counseling and therapy have priority over punitive measures. But it is also possible to obtain information on general health concerns such as the analysis of water quality in public swimming areas or vaccination recommendations for travelers.