Spain's Social Protection System: Community Services and Specialized Care

The Development of Community Social Services in Spain

Community social services arise and develop within the current constitutional period. Social services are developed within the framework of Spain, constituted as a social and democratic state of law (1978).

The new Social Services (SS) can be considered the sixth system of social protection within the overall welfare system.

Structure of Social Services: Primary and Specialized Care

Community Social Services (SSC) are structured as the primary care system. They are managed locally, providing basic services limited to information and referral to Specialized Social Services (SSE). SSC seeks to achieve solutions to individual or collective needs.

Specialized Social Services (SSE) constitute the second level of care. Their content is determined by the public sector, offering services targeted at specific segments of the population that require specialized attention. SSE are structured according to the needs and characteristics of each group.

Key Features of Community Social Services

• They constitute the primary care level.
• They possess a defined territorial structure.
• They are characterized by universal access.
• They are decentralized.
• They form the basis for social diagnosis and planning within the area.
• They identify and address new needs and demands of the population.
• They tend toward the empowerment of community life.
• They hold a strategic situation for the coordination of services, programs, and social action activities in the area.

Objectives and Functions

The primary objective is to promote full development to improve the quality of life and well-being of citizens. Other key functions include:

• Providing information and guidance to all citizens.
• Facilitating continued autonomy in the usual way of living, and enabling alternative arrangements for cases that require them.
• Promoting the social inclusion of individuals, families, and groups at risk of social exclusion.
• Promoting social participation of the community by enhancing association and volunteerism.
• Managing and providing financial assistance.
• Referral of problematic situations to specialist services.
• Preventing and eliminating the causes of social problems and situations of marginalization.
• Coordinating activities with other social welfare services.

Benefits and Services Provided

1. Information and Guidance

   These services offer expert advice on the rights citizens may possess and available social resources.

2. Home Help and Support for Coexistence Units

   Addressing the need for a suitable living environment by providing a range of care to individuals and/or families at home.

3. Alternative Accommodation

   Addressing the need for a decent place to stay and develop key aspects of social life. This includes adoption services in the absence of home ownership.

4. Prevention and Social Integration

   Addressing the need for personal adaptation to the social environment through acceptance and integration, aiming to prevent exclusion and ensure social and family reintegration.

5. Promotion of Social Solidarity and Cooperation

   Working to promote social solidarity and cooperation to foster attitudes that enhance coexistence within the community.