Transformation and Quality of Social Services in Slovakia: Implications of Social Role Valorisation Concept

Kvetoslava Repkova

doi:10.11648/j.ss.20180705.11

Abstract

The topic of the quality of social services has been officially institutionalised in Slovakia since 2009 as part of the historically first separate act on social services, as well as a part of the general efforts focused on the transformation of social services. Although the quality system is primarily a policy concept, numerous parallels with the concept of the social role valorisation can be observed. The aim of the study is to present selected aspects of recent developments in the implementation of the new quality system in Slovakia based on the research conducted in 2016. These questions were addressed: According to the providers, is more profound transformation of social services in Slovakia necessary? If yes, what should the transformation relate to? What is the providers’ opinion on the importance of the quality system as part of transformation of social services? What changes do the providers expect in their organisations with regards to the implementation of the quality system? As the research findings shown, the absolute majority of respondents (social service providers) considered the transformation of social services for necessary, while adoption of measures at several levels is necessary. Expectations of transformation changes at systemic level (e.g. financing of social services, stabile legislation, equal status of public and non-public providers), at organisational level, as well as the level of professional performance of social services were identified. The emphasis was put particularly on the need for systemic changes in social services, with considerably lower representation of expected changes at the organisational as well as professional levels. Respondents expressed high confidence in the quality of their own services, not being aware of any major reserves. In the discussion, the author appreciates the concept of the social role valorisation for interpreting and explanations of the obtained, sometimes contradictory, research results.

Highlights

The topic of the quality of social services has been officially institutionalised in Slovakia since 2009 as part of the historically first separate act on social services (Act No 448/2008 Coll. on Social Services, hereinafter referred to as „the Act “). [1] The need for implementation of the national system of quality of social services into the activities of social service providers was declared a political priority in several significant documents
In the light of the commitments arising from the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [5], ratified by the Slovak Republic in 2010, transformation and quality of social services is interpreted as the fulfilment of human rights and freedom of social service users, the way to offer choices, support of self-determination and general quality of life, in combination with the commitments in terms of professional assurance and good quality environment for social service provision
Main Research Findings Related to PRQ1 The respondents were asked if more profound transformation of social services is necessary, and if yes, what should the transformation relate to

Summary

Introduction

The topic of the quality of social services has been officially institutionalised in Slovakia since 2009 as part of the historically first separate act on social services (Act No 448/2008 Coll. on Social Services, hereinafter referred to as „the Act “). [1] The need for implementation of the national system of quality of social services (hereinafter referred to as „the Q-System“) into the activities of social service providers was declared a political priority in several significant documents. In the past decade it has been strongly associated with the strategy of transformation and deinstitutionalisation of social services (2011) [2], and with the recent national action plan of transformation from institutional to community care (2016) [3]. It is declared a national priority of special interest in the document “National priorities of the development of social services in 2015-2020” (2014) [4]. The aim of the study is to present selected aspects of recent developments in the implementation of the Q-System in Slovakia, relying on research findings of the author interpreted through the SVR as an inspiration for science and research as well as teaching practice

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion