Borås Infant Care Program Secures Future Amid Funding Uncertainty
Political efforts succeed in preserving Borås' vital infant care program amid funding challenges.
Key Points
- • The infant care program in Borås will be preserved after local political agreement.
- • Councillor Ylva Lengberg expresses commitment to the program's future.
- • Funding and cost-sharing responsibilities with Västra Götalandsregionen remain unclear.
- • The region proposed terminating an agreement covering 85% of operational costs, challenging program sustainability.
The unique infant care program in Borås, designed to support pregnant women and new mothers facing mental health challenges, is set to be preserved following recent political developments. Municipal councilor Ylva Lengberg (S) has pledged her support for the continuation and advancement of the program, which plays a crucial role in the community. However, discussions continue regarding the distribution of costs and responsibilities between the municipality and the Västra Götalandsregionen.
Previously, the region indicated plans to terminate the existing funding agreement that currently covers 85% of the program’s operational costs, which exceed six million SEK annually. This decision was justified by the assertion that municipalities generally fund similar services within Västra Götaland. As local leaders work to establish a sustainable funding model, the exact logistics of the program's future remain unresolved, leaving some uncertainty for both staff and participants.