Social Assistance System Research Articles

The Political Economy of Shock-Responsive Social Protection: Analysis from Malawi

Using social assistance systems to address acute needs arising from wide-scale shocks – commonly known as ‘shock-responsive social protection’ (SRSP) – raises significant political economy questions. Previously, acute needs caused by disasters across sub-Saharan Africa have primarily been met by humanitarian actors alone. SRSP disrupts the status quo by reducing humanitarian actors’ access to and control over humanitarian funding. This raises significant political questions; likewise, the introduction by SRSP of greater accountability and transparency into the implementation of humanitarian responses. This article addresses a current gap in the literature: the politics of SRSP. Referencing the concept of political settlements, the article asks what explains the evolution of SRSP in Malawi by examining the actions of domestic and international actors. It finds that there is scant evidence of national ownership of SRSP and that lack of consensus among international actors is a key obstacle to the concept becoming embedded within the political settlement.

The Procedure for Managing Customer Complaints as an Element Improving the Functioning of Administrative Bodies:The Case of the Social Assistance System in Poland

The Procedure for Managing Customer Complaints as an Element Improving the Functioning of Administrative Bodies:The Case of the Social Assistance System in Poland

Being a good neighbour – about supporting older people in the context of neighbourhood services

The aim of the article is to present the idea of neighbourhood services, which were introduced into the catalog of benefits of the social assistance system under the amendment to the Social Assistance Act at the end of July 2023. Their implementation is possible from November 1, 2023. Neighbourhood services should be understood as support provided to lonely people who, due to age, illness, or other reasons, require the help of other people and for whom their immediate family is unable to provide this support. The services may include assistance in meeting basic living needs, hygiene and nursing care that does not require specialized knowledge and competences and ensuring contacts with other people. Support is provided by people living in the neighbourhood of the person in need. The work of caregivers-neighbours is rewarded in cash by the commune, whose council specifies in a resolution the detailed conditions for granting these services, their size and scope, and the method of settling their performance. The article presents the idea of neighbourhood support in theory and practice, as well as legal provisions regarding neighbourhood services in accordance with the Social Assistance Act. The last part of the text is devoted to good practices in the field of services and neighbourhood care in Poland and USA.

The association of economic difficulties with social and health care costs of children-target trial emulation using complete birth cohort data in Finland.

It is unclear how much costs economic difficulties in families with children incur to the health and social care sector. We examined the health and social service costs after families entered into, and transitioned out of, social assistance used as a proxy measure for economic difficulties. We analyzed register data on all Finnish children born in 1997 and used the non-randomized target trial framework. The two target trials of entry to economic difficulties (social assistance) and continued economic difficulties included 697 680 and 71 131 children-year observations, respectively, in total. Inverse probability treatment weighting techniques were used to make the comparison group similar to the treatment group in terms of health, socioeconomic and demographic-related pretreatment variables. Entry to social assistance use was associated with some 1511-2619€ (50% compared to the control group) higher cumulative health and social care costs of the children three years after their families transitioned to social assistance, compared to the group that did not enter to social assistance system. This difference was primarily attributed to higher social care costs. Continued social assistance use was associated with some 1007-2709€ (31%) higher costs compared to the comparison group that exited social assistance. These findings support an economic argument to prevent families from entering economic difficulties and to help those in such situations to transition out.

THE MAIN CHALLENGES OF THE SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEM IN POST-PANDEMIC GEORGIA

In the post-pandemic period in Georgia, despite the high rate of economic growth, poverty and social exclusion remain an acute challenge. The social protection mechanisms operating in the country, such as one-time cash assistance, targeted social assistance, and other support services, such as housing and shelter, services for disabled persons, etc., still cannot provide the desired living conditions for citizens. Establishing and further improving a sustainable, fair, and effective social protection system is one of the country's priorities. Ensuring the effectiveness of the targeted social assistance system is a significant task of both the central and municipal governments. The targeted social assistance program operating in Georgia, which assesses the socio-economic status of families according to the updated methodology, tries to realistically evaluate the needs of the socially vulnerable part of the population, children and families with children, and accordingly determine the main directions of social policy. It is also significant to promote the integration of individuals with disabilities, to improve the socio-economic status and living conditions of internally displaced individuals and eco-migrants, and others. The paper analyzes the primary mechanisms, achievements, and challenges of the social protection system in Georgia. Recommendations are presented in the direction of overcoming poverty and raising the population's standard of living.

Ultrasonography for the optimal selection of patients suitable for single session arteriography and endovascular revascularization in severe peripheral artery disease.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) represents a high burden on the healthcare and social assistance systems. Revascularizationreduces symptoms, amputation rate and increases the chances of social reintegration. Our aim was to evaluate thebenefits of vascular duplex ultrasonography (DUS) for identifying patients suitable for direct percutaneous transluminal angioplasty(PTA) without the need for a prior angiography. We included in the study 251 patients withPAD evaluated by DUS. Depending on the DUS findings the patients were split in two groups: group I, 143 patients (57%), inwhich selective angiography and direct PTA was performed and group 2, 108 patients (43%), in which invasive arteriographywas considered necessary prior to a decision for revascularization.Results: The first group had a similar success rate (92.3% vs. 86.1%; p=0.111), but with a reduction in radioscopy time(minutes) (17.2 vs. 20.8; p=0.013), iodine contrast volume (ml) (190 vs. 227.5; p<0.001), days of hospitalization (4 vs. 7; p<0.001) and by 44.75% (p<0.001) of hospitalization costs when compared to the second group. DUS allows the optimal selection of patients who can benefit from direct PTA. This strategy has a high success rate, with a significant decrease in radioscopy exposure time, volume of iodine contrast needed, duration and hospitalization costs, when compared to arteriography and PTA in two different sessions.

Ending poverty and accelerating growth in South Africa, through the expansion of its social grant system

South Africa has one of the most extensive social assistance systems among developing countries; however, the proportion of the population below the national poverty lines remains relatively high. Thus, we develop a micro-macro framework to assess the economic growth implications of expanding South Africa’s social grant system under alternative conditions. We find that conditional poverty-alleviation social transfers foster growth while unconditional redistribution towards lower-income earners can hinder economic growth. From policy perspectives, we show that the transfer of purchasing power to extremely poor beneficiaries and their economic participation are required for poverty-alleviation social transfers to have positive economic outcomes.

Research on the Optimization of Digital Transformation of Social Assistance Based on Entropy Change Theory

With the development of digitalization in China, the social assistance environment has also undergone tremendous changes in the digital era, which requires social managers to achieve high-quality and efficient assistance through digital transformation. The research introduces the theory of entropy change, constructs a two-dimensional quadrant method, and demonstrates that the orderly digital transformation of social assistance is achieved by negative entropy reduction offsetting positive entropy increase. Based on the current situation and case study of the digital transformation of social assistance in China, the entropy change of social assistance system has the characteristics of variability, uncertainty and complexity. Based on these three characteristics, the optimization path of the digital transformation of the social assistance system is proposed from the perspectives of negative entropy increase and positive entropy flow.

Social Protection Benefits Compatibility and Evaluation Criteria: the Case of Lithuania

In general, the social protection (SP) system consists of two main blocks: social insurance (SI) and social assistance (SA). The main idea of SP is to leave no one behind, support in times of social risks. However, SI and SA systems are usually developed and improved separately. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and European Commission (EC) often emphasise that expenditure on the SP system in Lithuania is scarce, income poverty and inequality are critical, not improving. This raises the question of whether both elements of SP in Lithuania are based on the same criteria to achieve consolidated SP and avoid its gaps. This paper aims to identify evaluation criteria, look at the Lithuanian SP system through its main benefits, and identify whether people are protected. The analysis consists of a literature review, which helps identify evaluation criteria for the SP system, and Lithuanian analysis based on evaluation criteria for 2018–2022 policy years. Three main criteria for SP benefits evaluation are identified: coverage, adequacy, and incentives to work. To make an in-depth analysis of the SP system in Lithuania, the tax-benefit microsimulation model EUROMOD is used to analyse different households’ poverty and unemployment traps and test whether the current SP system contributes to them. It was expected that this research would help to shed a light on how well Lithuanian SI and SA function simultaneously. Results show that SP system compatibility in Lithuania is above average, the weakest part is coverage.

Organization of professional communication in social work

The article analyzes the key concepts of "communication" and "professional communication" from the point of view of an activity approach, because communication not only activates the consciousness of the subject, but also provides rational knowledge regarding the choice of social goals and means of their achievement. The specificity of the social work specialist's communicative activity is determined, which is aimed at changing individuals, groups and other social systems, at the development of one's own personality, colleagues and clients. The analysis of communication technologies taking place in social work is shown. The peculiarities of the communicative potential of social work, the improvement of the efficiency of professional communication, the identification of signs of communication in social work in the conditions of the information society, the identification of the most demanded mechanisms of interaction, the clarification of new functions and professional roles of social workers are analyzed. The need to update the principles and methods of communicative activity in social work, the approval of new communication technologies in accordance with the dynamics of social relations, the level of development of technical capabilities and the needs of modern society are substantiated. Special attention is paid to Internet communication, its advantages and limitations, problems and prospects of using the latest communication technologies are determined. Emphasis is placed on the system of social assistance, which does not always respond to the challenges of the times in a timely manner. One of the reasons for this situation is that the communicative potential of social work, which includes the development, adaptation, and implementation of various technologies for organizing professional interaction in social work, is insufficiently researched and used. New studies of the possibilities of organization and directions of development of professional communication in the activity of a specialist in the social sphere in modern conditions are considered

LEGAL ANALYSIS OF TARGETING AS A BASIS FOR THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL ASSISTANCE

Introduction. The relevance of the chosen topic lies in the fact that the system of social assistance is always based on the main principle - to support those who are unable to take care of themselves. Summary of the main results of the study. At the current stage of transformation of Ukrainian society, given the progressive differentiation of incomes, the most important task of the social security system is to fight poverty. A well-developed social assistance system is an important element of a modern market economy, as people face certain economic risks and other setbacks throughout their lives that can lead to loss of income. Moreover, poverty and its interrelated phenomena such as disease, crime, and social neglect have an impact on society and economic development. However, it is difficult to define who is poor. This is especially difficult in Ukraine because of the existence of a large shadow economy, underreporting of income, and a rather weak administrative system. The problem is that in recent years, as a result of lawmaking activities, many new legal principles have emerged that guide the legal regulation of the social sphere and outline the general directions of the realization of social rights. Some principles faded away, losing their relevance and ceasing to influence the realization of social rights, while others, on the contrary, having barely appeared in social security legislation, are gaining a stronger position in the system of sectoral principles. One of these principles is the principle of targeting. Targeting is a characteristic tool of anti-poverty and cost-cutting programs. The article formulates the main principles of targeted social assistance for the poor. A brief assessment of the Ukrainian social assistance system is made. Conclusion. The article provides a theoretical overview of the targeting of social assistance as a component of the state's social policy, which in turn will have a positive impact on the effectiveness of social protection. It is important to note that in the current conditions of economic development, the problem of overcoming poverty and ensuring decent living conditions for citizens is a priority task for every state. This goal is achieved by allocating funds to the targeted, least well-off categories of the population. Thus, ideally, all those in need and the poor should receive assistance provided by the laws of Ukraine on the basis of targeted social payments. Targeting is a characteristic tool of anti-poverty programs.

A terapia ocupacional no SUAS: produção e divulgação de conteúdos fomentados por uma comunidade de práticas

The insertion and growth of occupational therapists in the Unified Social Assistance System have generated demands for professional training and dissemination in Brazil. In view of this, the Community of Practice in Occupational Therapy was organized for professionals working in this field. Among its various actions, there was the creation of a Blog and an Instagram account. This article aims to report the trajectory of the creation and maintenance of social media as Community of Practice strategies for the dissemination and visibility of occupational therapy in this policy. 131 publications were identified on the Blog, the majority of which dealt with general topics about SUAS, while 35.2% addressed specific population groups. Instagram had 118 publications and 1425 followers. Analysis of Instagram metrics revealed reach of 1,872 accounts and 7,280 impressions. The Community of Practices initiative highlights the importance of Occupational Therapy in this system, aiming to increase visibility and exchange of knowledge between professionals. In this way, these tools represent successful strategies to strengthen and disseminate the work of occupational therapy in this context through the recognition of methodological strategies, in addition to providing support for consistent action in the field of social assistance.

Financing of Care in the Social Assistance System

In a context of scarcity of resources and competitiveness, the approach aimed at improving assistance implies the optimal use of funding, also through a comparison between existing structures at national, European and international level. The implementation of the above implies implementing the financing through the rationalization and simplification of the collection and management of funds. This article pursues the objective of exposing the prospects for the development of assistance in the medium and long term through the analysis of the legislation and programs relating to European funding. From a perspective of resilient development of social and healthcare assistance, the transversal potential of financing will be highlighted as well as the integrated actions to overcome the current critical issues in the management of financing.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR INTERINSTITUTIONAL COOPERATION IN THE CONTEXT OF MANAGING SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS

The aim of the article is to assess the level of interinstitutional cooperation in the management of municipal and poviat organizational units of the social assistance system from the perspective of administrative procedures. This work is interdisciplinary in nature, and the content contained in the article is embedded in legal sciences and management and quality sciences. Original research results obtained among managers and employees of social welfare centers and district family support centers in Poland using the cooperative research method from the action research group are presented. The conducted research process had a nationwide scope and the presented conclusions can be an auxiliary tool to trigger a discussion on systemic solutions supporting the directions of inter-institutional cooperation through the use of appropriate administrative procedures in order to effectively implement social policy at the local government level.

The effect of social pension on health-related quality of life of the rural older people: a panel study from China

BackgroundSocial pensions, social assistance systems for older people in rural areas, have been put into place in many nations and have positively impacted health. The long-term health consequences of social pension programs in China are uncertain. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term health consequences of the new rural social pension (NRSP) for the rural older people in China.MethodsBased on the 2011 and 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, we compared the scores on eight Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) subscales of the rural older people before and after participation in the NRSP. The propensity score matching and difference-in-difference methods were used in data analysis. We also conducted a heterogeneity analysis for subgroups with different characteristics and pension enrolment times.ResultsThe NRSP significantly enhanced scores on physical functioning, role-physical, and self-rated mental health of old rural participants by 1.90 (p < 0.01), 2.05 (p < 0.01), and 2.93 (p < 0.05), respectively. After excluding newly enrolled individuals, the beneficial health effects of the NRSP remained significant. There were no significant changes due to NRSP in the other five scores on the HRQoL subscale of the rural older people. The NRSP had more health benefits for older people in underdeveloped areas without formal schooling.ConclusionsThe NRSP reduced health disparities and had long-term benefits on the physical and mental health of the rural older people. We suggest continuously expanding the NRSP throughout rural China and further improving the social support system to enhance the overall quality of life of the rural older people. Comparable social pension programs aimed at underprivileged groups could also be conducted in other low- or middle-income nations.

The disease prevention and rescue system based on Lorentz-RR analysis technology for public welfare organizations

Health concerns have become a significant focus in peoples daily lives. Currently, with the increasing demand for monitoring human health, some social organizations need to strengthen health detection technology, and various related technologies are emerging. The aim of this study is to develop a social organization disease prevention and assistance system that integrates the advantages and resources of social organizations, social service institutions, social workers, caregivers, service recipients, and their families. The main system is designed based on a front-end and back-end separation architecture, using core technology: the Lorenz-RR scatterplot classification algorithm to achieve the selection of classification algorithms, the development of AlexNet algorithm, and the optimization of dataset expansion algorithm, Thus, the improvement of the Lorenz-RR scatterplot classification algorithm of the AlexNet model is achieved, and the development of a social organization disease prevention and assistance system is completed. It has high accuracy and sensitivity in the analysis of relevant indicators of service objects, and its application value is significant, with widespread promotion significance.

Social assistance and the end of poverty

This article aims to address the stigma and stereotypes inherent in the system of social assistance by addressing poverty as a matter of discrimination. Through the lens of discrimination, the article argues that the welfare system reproduces the very structures it aims to abolish in its alleged care for people living on the margins.

Evolution of welfare state in Brazil: welfare policies (2003-2010)

This research analyzes the configuration of the Welfare State in Brazil (WSB) during the period from 2003 to 2010, during the Lula government. The objective was to investigate the structuring and implementation of the WSB under the PT administration (2003-2010), focusing especially on the effects of these policies on reducing social inequalities and the challenges related to the governance, effectiveness, and fiscal sustainability of social policies. Bibliographical research and documentary analysis were carried out adopting a qualitative and quantitative approach. The results indicate that the WSB in this period had limited redistribution capacity, maintaining social and economic inequalities. Despite the reforms and the increase in the budget for income transfer programs, such as Bolsa Família and the Unified Social Assistance System, social policies reflected tensions between economic growth and social justice. Despite significant advances in social protection and inclusion, challenges remain related to the governance, effectiveness, and integration of social policies.

Home visit in the context of social vulnerability: people visited perspective

Home visits are an intervention instrument of the Unified Social Assistance System and the main link between teams and families. This qualitative research aimed to understand the experience of home visits, from the perspective of families monitored by the Unified Social Assistance System. So, 12 in-depth interviews were conducted with people from the families visited. The data were organized and analyzed from the perspective of Grounded Theory, with the aid of the software Atlas.Ti 8.4. The results showed families with histories of vulnerabilities and violence, the interviewees were unaware of the reason for the home visit and built ambivalent bonds with the professionals. The need to reflect on the proposal of the community bond and the objectives of home visits, between families and professionals, is highlighted.

Analysis of the Functioning Profession of Social Workers in Poland in the Perspective of Professionalisation

A social worker is a key support profession in the social assistance system, so this profession should be performed by well-educated specialists. The aim of this article is to study the advancement of the process of professionalisation process of the job of a social worker in Poland. The research questions concern the key indicators of professionalisation of the job of a social worker, the course of this professionalisation in Poland and the main barriers to the process. Based on the research carried out, it was shown that, in the case of Poland, the professionalisation of the job of a social worker has reached the level that makes it possible to define a social worker as a ‘profession’. However, full professionalisation has not been reached in terms of all adopted indicators of the analysis; hence the need to support further professionalisation of this profession.