Impact of Policies on Local Strategies of Community Social Services

Social services have undergone significant transformations in the last two decades by moving from institutionalized to community-based assistance. As society has undergone social and economic changes, the demand for services has increased and the way they are provided, with an approach and perspective on prevention or reintegration intervention. The decentralization of social services from the General Directorates of Social Assistance to the community (public social assistance services) has changed the basis of funding, concentrating it more at the local level. In the same trend, policies to promote deinstitutionalisation have led to the closure of institutions and the creation of new community-based services as an alternative to institutional assistance. These reforms have impacted the organization of social services and especially the financing of social services. The existence of unitary and clear directions of action established based on sound social policies, based on the real needs of society on vulnerable groups.