(Cabinet
Order No. 652
Adopted 18 December 2013)

Framework for Professional Social Work Development
2014-2020

Riga 2013

Contents

Abbreviations

Introduction

1 Link with International Agreements and Other Development Planning Documents

2 Characterisation of the Situation and Formulation of Problems

2.1 Legal Acts

2.2 Activities and Monitoring of Social Service Offices

2.3 Education of Social Workers

2.4 Professional Development of Social Workers

2.5 Provision of Supervision in a Social Service Office

2.6. Remuneration System of Social Workers

2.7 Quality of Social Work

2.8 Inter-institutional and Inter-professional Collaboration

2.9 Scientific Research Base in the Field of Social Work

3 Political Principles, Objective, Action Directions, Result and Performance Indicator

4 Task and Action Plan

5 Action Results and Performance Indicators

6 Initial Impact Assessment of the Proposed Solution

7 Assessment of the Impact on the State Budget and Local Government Budget

8 Reporting and Assessment Procedure

Annex

Abbreviations

CHE	Council of Higher Education
UN	United Nations Organisation
USA	United States of America
BPMUC	Baltic Psychology and Management University College
DU	Daugavpils University
DSI	Data State Inspectorate
EC	European Commission
MoE	Ministry of Economics
COE	Council of Europe
EU	European Union
ESF	European Social Fund
ESC	European Social Charter
FCMC	Finance and Capital Market Commission
MoF	Ministry of Finance
GASWSD	Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development
IASSW	International Association of Schools of Social Work
ICSW	International Council on Social Welfare
MoI	Ministry of the Interior
IFSW	International Federation of Social Workers
MoES	Ministry of Education and Science
Latvia2030	Sustainable Development Strategy of Latvia until 2030
Latvian NRP	Latvian National Reform Programmes for the implementation of "Europe 2020" strategy
LiepU	Liepaja University
LCrA	Latvian Christian Academy
MoW	Ministry of Welfare
LALRG	Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments
UL	University of Latvia
Cabinet	Cabinet
NDP2020	Latvian National Development Plan for 2014-2020
NVA	State Employment Agency
LGB	Local government budget
RESC	Revised European Social Charter
RCC WD	Riga City Council Welfare Department
RSU	Riga Stradiņš University
SWS	Social Workers Society
SW NGO	Non-governmental organisations of social work domain
SW Framework	Framework for Professional Social Work Development 2014-2020
SW Study	Study "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy"
SW Programme	Professional Social Work Development Programme 2005-2011
SWSCC	Social Work Specialists Cooperation Council, which has been established by Order No. 128 of the Ministry of Welfare of 28 August 2006.
Social Work Specialists	Social worker, organiser of social assistance, social carer, social rehabilitator
SSA	Social Service Administration, which was liquidated on 1 July 2009 according to amendments to the Social Services and Social Assistance Law; was a successor of the Social Assistance Fund established in 1996
SSSA Law	Social Services and Social Assistance Law
SSP Registry	National information system "Register of Social Service Providers"
MoJ	Ministry of Justice
MoEPRD	Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development
SB	State budget
SIPCR	State Inspectorate for Protection of Children's Rights
MoH	Ministry of Health
SSIA	State Social Insurance Agency
HSMSW "Attīstība"	Higher School of Management and Social Work "Attīstība" (formerly Higher School of Social Pedagogy and Social Work "Attīstība")

A social worker can not only pass the ladder
for people to crawl out of the pit,
but he may also come down and see the reason
why they are sitting in the pit in the first place.
(Augusts Milts, professor, 1993)

Introduction

The State policy¹ for the development of professional social work in Latvia was determined for the first time on 28 June 2005, when "Professional Social Work Development Programme 2005-2011" was approved by Cabinet Order No. 413.

The time period of this policy planning document - "Framework for Professional Social Work Development 2014-2020" - has been coordinated with the new EU Funds programming period of 2014-2020. The thematic objective set in the document "Position of the Commission Services on the development of Partnership Agreement and programmes in LATVIA for the period 2014-2020" - to promote social inclusion and combating poverty - brings forward the following as one of sub-objectives: to improve access to, quality and efficiency of social work.

In order to draw up a policy planning document for the subsequent period a working group² was established, which comprised representatives from the MoES, MoW, LALRG, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, RCC WD Social Department, Riga Social Service, SW Society, Society "Caritas", and RSU Social Work Department.

In order to evaluate the current situation in the field of the performance of social work in the time period from 2009 to 2011, to identify the obstacles and problems that hinder social service offices to perform targeted and high-quality social work with clients, as well as to evaluate the possible action scenarios in order to solve the identified problems, a study "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy" was performed during 2012.³ In addition, issues discussed in various forums and surveys⁴ related to social work and proposals on the required actions in this area have been taken into account in drawing up the SW Framework.

The SW Framework is the second consecutive medium-term policy planning document in the field of social work in Latvia and its objective is to determine State policy for the development of professional social work in medium-term (7 years).

1. Link with International Agreements and Other Development Planning Documents

The European Social Charter came into force in Latvia on 2 March 2002. The ESC Preamble states that the Member States of the Council of Europe have committed, with ESC⁵ and its Protocol, to protect the social rights of their inhabitants, thus raising the living standards and social welfare of their inhabitants⁶. In accordance with Article 14 of the ESC, parties undertake to promote or provide services which, by using methods of social work⁷, would contribute to the welfare of both individuals and groups in the community and to their adjustment to the social environment, in order to ensure an effective right to benefit from services of social welfare offices. On 14 February 2013 the Saeima ratified the Revised European Social Charter. RESC includes all the rights provided for in the ESC of 1961, and the area of activity of these rights has been expanded, as well as new rights have been introduced, taking into account the changes that have taken place in Europe since 1961.

Future issues of social work development are outlined in the programmatic document "Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development"⁸ drawn up by three international organisations - the International Federation of Social Workers, the International Association of Schools of Social Work, and the International Council on Social Welfare - which was submitted to the UN in March 2012. Efforts of the GASWSD for 2012 - 2016 are planned in the following areas:

● promotion of social and economic equality;

● enhancement of human dignity and value;

● facilitation of environmental sustainability;

● strengthening the recognition of the value of human mutual relations, the implementation of which requires involvement of a confident, competent and proficient social worker.

Stable and sustainable development of Latvia by promoting the welfare of every inhabitant in Latvia through reduction of social inequality is determined as one of the priorities of the government for the next three years, set out in Declaration on the Intended Activities of the Cabinet Led by Valdis Dombrovskis. In the Government Action Plan⁹ one of the measures to be taken by the MoW in relation to implementation of the Declaration on the Intended Activities of the Cabinet Led by Valdis Dombrovskis, is to identify the action policy for State support and inter-institutional cooperation in order to promote the development of professional social work (Sub-paragraph 17.3).

On 10 June 2010 the Saeima approved the Sustainable Development Strategy of Latvia until 2030, which is the main long-term national development planning document. The core of sustainable development of Latvia is increasing personal, economic, social and natural, including place and space, capital productivity, thus responding to the challenges of global trends. The basic settings of Latvia2030 are a happy person in a prosperous country, sustainable and healthy lifestyle, creative, broadminded and tolerant society, competitiveness created in collaboration and the State as a rapidly responding partner.

Latvia2030 particularly highlights the core value of Latvia - human capital. At the time when the number of people reduces and the society ages, it is important not to reduce the base value of the human capital and to increase its productivity. Investment in human capital is a long-term priority task to ensure that all potential human resources, particularly groups of inhabitants subject to the risk of poverty and social exclusion, participate in the labour market, to improve services and efficiency of health, social care and social security¹⁰, as well as of the lifelong learning systems.

The National Development Plan of Latvia 2014-2020, which is the plan for implementation of Latvia2030, was approved by the Saeima decision on 20 December 2012. The NDP2020 intends to focus on achieving the overarching objective - "Economic Breakthrough", which means increase in welfare of the entire population of Latvia and sustainability of the State. According to the basic principles of sustainable development planning, the NDP2020 identifies three priorities. In one of the priorities - "Human Securitability"¹¹ within the framework of the action direction "Stability for Demographic Growth" it is defined to perform the following task - "[273] Support for families and individuals in crisis situations and in situations of gender-related violence, providing professional social work services and timely social and medical rehabilitation services (including crisis counselling, violence prevention and rehabilitation support programmes)", for implementation of which one of the respective activities is defined - "Development of social work programmes, training and supervision of social workers, provision of social assistance, facilitating return to the labour market".

For implementation of the strategy "EU 2020" of National Reform Programme of Latvia reduction of structural unemployment has been set as one of the main macro-structural challenges/obstacles for growth and employment in Latvia. According to the quantitative objectives of Latvia for 2020, increase in the proportion of persons who have acquired higher education is the context of the NRP of Latvia. It is intended to resume loan cancellation from the State budget resources to guarantee equal access to higher education in order to encourage attraction of highly skilled and talented specialists for work in State and local government institutions in the areas where these specialists, including social workers, are needed, as well as to attract students to the corresponding studies.

It is indicated in the Progress Report of 2013 on the NRP of Latvia¹² that, in order to promote equal access to higher education, it is planned to improve the mechanisms for granting scholarships, as well as study and student loans, which would provide the opportunity to study for a larger number of potential students and would encourage more targeted choice of the field of study. Moreover, the following policy directions are indicated in the Progress Report of 2013 on the NRP of Latvia - fighting the poverty, demographic challenges. One of the measures set for reduction of the poverty level is promoting the participation of the persons who are subject to poverty and social exclusion risks, in the labour market. For achieving the objective it is intended to improve the cooperation between social service offices of local governments and the SEA. Social protection measures aimed at families with children, for example, to provide and improve State and local government support to families with children, are also foreseen. To achieve the goal it is intended to develop social work and social services in local governments.

In order to achieve the objectives of general government budget, concurrently ensuring the conditions for economic growth in medium term, the government of Latvia continues to implement structural reforms in five key areas, one of which is balanced social system and employment. The SW Framework is one of the tools for achieving the objective according to the Latvian Convergence Programme 2013-2016¹³.

The following regional planning documents for the development of social services have been drawn up and are in effect:

● Social Services Development Programme for Kurzeme Planning Region 2011-2018¹⁴;

● Social Services Development Programme for Latgale Planning Region 2010-2017¹⁵;

● Social Services Development Programme for Riga Planning Region for Alternative Social Care and Social Rehabilitation Services 2010-2016¹⁶;

● Alternative Social Services Development Programme for Vidzeme Region 2010-2017¹⁷;

● Social Services Development Programme for Zemgale Planning Region 2010-2016¹⁸.

Social work in regional planning documents is viewed as the social service. Possibly, this is due to the fact that consistency in social work terminology and other issues related to professional social work practice is not observed in the SSSA Law and other laws and regulations.

2. Characterisation of the Situation and Formulation of Problems

As a result of the economic and financial crisis of the preceding years the socio-economic situation of inhabitants significantly deteriorated, resulting in rapid increase in the number of inhabitants who turned to the social service office. In such cases the social service office usually evaluated the client's financial resources, which is the basis for granting social assistance, instead of a situation where a social worker would assess the client's social situation in general, identify social problems and provide the necessary support. The social service office is an institution in which every inhabitant can turn to in order to receive free professional support of a social worker, attracting the necessary social services and social assistance. During this time, professional activities of social service offices, use of services and responsibility for social protection resources accessible to the public became increasingly consolidated.

The national policy of Latvia in the field of professional social work should be shaped both according to the new challenges of the 21^st century - economic crisis and needs of the post-crisis period, and should continue the development of social work launched in the 1990s in several directions at the same time - legal framework, professional practice, as an academic discipline and science domain.

Social worker as a profession is a new occurrence in Latvia and began to develop only in the 1990s. For any activity, including social work, to be called a profession, the following three preconditions must be met:

● stable knowledge base;

● professional code of ethics developed and fixed;

● supervision¹⁹ system introduced in practice.²⁰

Although social work in Latvia has evolved both in social service offices of local governments and in other State and local government institutions, non-governmental organisations, etc., that provide social services and social assistance, nonetheless, in the SW Framework the development of social work is largely associated only with the development of social service offices of local governments. The social service office is the institution, which can be addressed by any resident free of charge to receive assistance and support in solving various social problems. The social service office has the central role in solving social problems of inhabitants in municipalities.

2.1. Legal Acts

On 7 September 1995 the Saeima adopted the Law On Social Security. This Law prescribes the legal framework for social protection in Latvia.

The SSSA Law, which came into force on 1 January 2003, distinguishes aspects related to social work:

● the following terms explained - social work, caritative social work, social work specialist, client, social service office, social service provider, psychosocial assistance, supervision;

● the purpose of social work;

● the requirements for persons who have the right to perform social work;

● professional tasks for a social worker and caritative social worker.

The SW Study concludes that the regulation included in laws and regulations does not provide unequivocal explanation of social work - whether social work is a social service, or whether social work is professional activity, or whether professional activity of a social worker is a component of a social service. At the level of definitions social work is viewed both as professional activity and as a social service in the SSSA Law and Cabinet Regulation No. 291 of 3 June 2003, Requirements for Providers of Social Services (hereinafter - Cabinet Regulation No. 291). Laws and regulations do not clearly define the boundaries of social work and there is no clearly defined place of social work in the social protection system. Social work and a social worker are not mentioned at all in the Law On Social Security and the Law On Local Governments, as well as in the provisions of laws and regulations regarding social work are incomplete in comparison to the international definition of social work profession²¹.

Cabinet Regulation No. 461 of 18 May 2010, Regulations Regarding the Classification of Occupations, Basic Tasks Corresponding to the Occupation, Basic Qualification Requirements and Procedures for the Use and Updating of the Classification of Occupations (hereinafter - Classification of Occupations) determines 2636 occupations of the individual group "Senior Specialists of Social Work and Counselling". Concurrently, alongside to the occupation social worker, 11 additional occupations related to the specialisation of social work are listed in the Classification of Occupations, for which there are no unambiguous rules - whether these are separate professions and each of them need their own professional standards drawn up accordingly, or also these occupations are different specialisations of a single occupation - social worker.

An occupation standard has been developed for two occupations - social worker and social carer - and is included in Annex 2 to the Classification of Occupations.

2.2. Activities and Monitoring of Social Service Offices

The purpose of founding social service offices, the tasks of their operation, their responsibilities and rights are defined in the SSSA Law.

As a result of the administrative territorial reform of local governments, which was completed on 1 July 2009, there are 119 local governments in Latvia (9 cities and 110 municipalities). In accordance with Cabinet Regulation No. 951 of 20 November 2008, Procedures by which a Social Service Provider is Registered in a Register of Social Service Providers and Removed Therefrom, 119 social service offices are registered in the state²².

Cabinet Regulation No. 291 prescribes general requirements for activities of social service providers and also requirements for a social service office of local government, according to which the head of the institution has:

● a duty to ensure that at least three social work specialists work with clients at the social service office, including one social worker for work with families with children, the second social worker for work with adults and the third social worker for organising social assistance;

● the right to attract other specialists in order to provide social services and social assistance;

● to ensure that in case if only one social work specialist is working at a remote client reception point of a social service office of a city or municipality local government, then this person must at least have the qualification of social worker.

Fig. 1

Source: Summaries of State statistical reports²³

Although during the last three years there has been slight increase in the number of social work specialists (see Figure 1) - from 1 109 specialists in 2010 (including 783 social workers) to 1 162 specialists in 2012 (including 851 social workers), the number of social workers still does not conform to the requirements of legal acts.

The criterion defined in the SSSA Law regarding the number of social work specialists at social service offices in relation to the population in the local government (1: 1000) in 2012 was met only by 58%²⁴ The criterion defined in the SSSA Law regarding the number of social work specialists at social service offices in relation to the population in the local government (1: 1000) in 2012 was met only by 58%. From the 119 social service offices registered in the Register of SSP in 2011, 17 social service offices (14%) failed to comply with the minimum requirement in relation to the number of social work specialists²⁵ laid down in Cabinet Regulation No. 291.

The SW Study concludes that the problem arises not so much from the lack of social workers with an appropriate qualification, but from the unwillingness of social work study programme graduates to work in the field of social work. This problem is related to a set of measures for the development of attractive working environment - arrangement of the remuneration issues, specification of the legal framework of the social work sector, definition of the social work boundaries and competences, introduction of quality principles in the social work practice, systematic and equal support to professional development opportunities.²⁶

Legal status of social service offices is twofold - social service offices are institutions of local governments (slightly over 80% from 22 social service offices included in the SW Study), social services are agencies of local governments (slightly below 20% of 22 social service offices included in the SW Study). Provision of the functions of social service offices is not affected by their legal status; however, there are differences in operational planning, assessment and reporting procedures that interfere with the establishment of a unified and systemic system for planning of social service offices and social work, monitoring and evaluation of results.²⁷

Regulatory framework and requirements for the internal control system, for planning of activities of the institution, as well as for monitoring and evaluation of the results is not laid down in laws and regulations for social service offices as institutions of local governments. This creates a situation where different instruments are used in the field of monitoring, evaluation and control of the work of social service offices. Five regional planning documents have been drawn up for the development of social services, however, an employee who ensures regular analysis of the situation, updating of information and monitoring of the programme implementation at the regional level is funded only for one of the programmes "Social Services Development Programme of Kurzeme Planning Region 2011-2018" with the support of EU funds.

Although there is a significant number of strategic planning documents at various levels, there are problems with defining indicators and mechanisms for their monitoring, as well as an uncertainty regarding institutional and accountability breakdown in relation to the reporting mechanism for measuring achievements of regional programmes. This raises the need for the development, monitoring and evaluation of integrated regional programmes, thus, also introducing the application of the territorial principle in ensuring professional social work.²⁸

2.3. Education of Social Workers

The SSSA Law lays down specific requirements for a social worker in terms of qualification, i.e., the Law states that:

● persons who have acquired a second level vocational higher or academic education in social work or in caritative social work have the right to perform social work²⁹;

● persons who have acquired a first level vocational higher education in the field of social care, social rehabilitation or social assistance or a vocational secondary education in the field of social care (after graduation from such vocational secondary school or other educational establishment which implements vocational secondary education programmes) have the right to provide social care or social rehabilitation services and social assistance.³⁰

The qualification of social worker may be acquired in the following seven institutions of higher education with the study programmes accredited in Latvia³¹ - Baltic Psychology and Management University College, Daugavpils University, Latvian Christian Academy, University of Latvia, Liepaja University, Riga Stradiņš University, Higher School of Management and Social Work "Attīstība".

To acquire the qualification of social worker it is possible to study in the professional bachelor's study programme or 2^nd level vocational study programme: social work - BPMUC, UL, RSU, HSMSW "Attīstība"; social worker - LiepU; caritative social work - LCrA. Studies are ensured in Daugavpils, Jūrmala, Liepāja, Riga and branches of institutions of higher education in Jelgava, Jēkabpils, Rēzekne and Smiltene.

A professional master's degree in social work may be acquired in BPMA, DU, LChrA, LiepU, RSU, HSMSW "Attīstība".

Completion of the Master's programme provides opportunities of continuing the studies for acquisition of a doctoral degree. According to the nomenclature of academic and scientific degrees of the Latvian Council of Science, social work is classified as sub-class of sociology "social policy³² and organisation of social work". Therefore, a doctoral graduate who has defended a doctoral thesis in the sociology sub-sector "social policy and organisation of social work" obtains a doctoral degree in sociology, Dr.soc./Dr.sc.soc. Doctorate studies in sociology, including in sub-sector "social policy and organisation of social work" is offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Latvia and by Riga Stradiņš University.³³

Social work study programmes are funded from the State budget, as well as there are fee-based studies which involve other sources of funding, most frequently the resources of the students themselves.

In 2013 the distribution of State funded study places in social work study programmes was as follows: UL - 10, LiepU - 60, RSU - 45 State funded study places. 26 study places are funded from the State budget in master's degree study programmes only in one educational institution - RSU. Consequently, in total in bachelor's and master's degree study programmes 141 study places were funded from the State budget.

According to the by-law of the MoH³⁴ RSU is a subordinate to the Ministry of Health; therefore, study places funded from the State budget for social work studies at RSU are distributed from the budget of the MoH. This means that 71 (50%) out of 141 State funded study places are funded from the budget of the MoH. Distribution of State funded study places has not been reviewed for several years. There are no clear criteria for distribution of State funded study places in the sector "social welfare" among State institutions of higher education, which ensure higher education studies in the field of social work.

Study fee for the professional bachelor's study programmes and 2^nd level vocational study programmes for both full-time and part-time studies in various educational institutions ranges from LVL 700 to LVL 1 200 per year. Study fee for both full-time and part-time master's studies ranges from LVL 625 to LVL 1 200 per year.

In 2012 in comparison to 2010 the number of social work specialists who have acquired second level higher vocational or academic education in social work or caritative social work, working in social service offices, increased by 44% (see Figure 2). In 2012 such specialists accounted for 75% of all social work specialists working in social service offices. Concurrently, it is a positive trend that the number of social work specialists whose qualification does not conform to the SSSA Law decreases in social service offices of local governments, i.e., from 22% in 2010 to 13% in 2012.

Fig. 2

Source: Summary of State statistical reports³⁵

Information provided by the MoES, which is based on statistical reports received from institutions of higher education until 15 October 2012, as well as the information from the Higher Education Quality Evaluation Centre data show that in academic year of 2011/2012 177 persons have acquired the qualification of social worker and 66 persons have acquired master's degree in social work.

Experts indicate the following additional problems in the SW Study:

● there is no mechanism to ensure attracting of such would-be social workers to the sector who study in State funded study places;

● there is insufficient link between education and practice, which is one of important parts of the content of professional studies in the field of social work;

● there is lack of co-operation between institutions of higher education, which implement social work study programmes, employers, sectoral ministries and other stakeholders³⁶.

2.4. Professional Development of Social Workers

Cabinet Regulation No. 291 prescribes that each year local government must provide regular raising of qualification to employees who work with clients, including social worker - not less than 24 hours per year.

Professional improvement has been determined as one of the professional competences - the ability to analyse and evaluate their professional activities - necessary to perform professional activities, as well as one of the necessary skills - to systematically improve their professional qualification - in the context of the social work profession standard.³⁷

Situation in the field of professional improvement for social workers has not been changed since 2003, when the requirement of professional improvement was incorporated in Cabinet Regulation No. 291. According to that laid down, a social service provider, and hence the social service office, must ensure professional improvement of social work specialists of social service offices. This means that hitherto resources from the local government budget or resources of professionals themselves have been the source of funding for professional improvement of social workers. Therefore, each social service office implements a different approach to the professional improvement of employees. It is often determined by financial resources, availability, subjective understanding and attitude of the manager of a social service office.

In 2012 45% of managers of social service offices and social work specialists had not participated in professional improvement training (see Figure 3).

Fig. 3

Source: Summaries of State statistical reports³⁸

It is indicated in the SW Study that systematic, needs-based professional improvement of social workers is missing, as well as there is insufficient link between education and social work practice. The SW Study recommends to create a support system for a "new professional" who has acquired qualification - a social worker in order to begin social work internship in a social service office under the supervision of an experienced social worker - mentor. Mentoring is non-judgmental relationship between two persons - mentor and mentee. Most often organisations use mentoring to promote people learning at the workplace, to provide support in the stages of changes, such as starting a professional career. Mentoring is one of the modern forms of professional improvement. The concept "mentor" is perceived as an advisor, wise, understanding assistant, who is ready to provide support and share experience for the benefit of others and who has the necessary competences for the job. Currently, the work of a mentor has become an integral part of the professional improvement process around the world in a wide range of professions, including social work.

2.5. Provision of Supervision in a Social Service Office

Cabinet Regulation No. 291 prescribes that a social service office must ensure supervision for social work specialists - individual support for at least 9 hours per year, or group support for at least 18 hours per year.

The word "supervision" is used in the SSSA Law and Cabinet Regulation No. 291 in parentheses after the term "consultative support for social work specialist", which means that this area, which is an area crucially necessary for the profession, is governed at minimum in the legal acts governing social work.

The terms "supervision", "supervisor", "to manage supervision" were approved at the meeting of the Terminology Commission of the Latvian Academy of Sciences on 21 May 2013 (protocol No. 1/1111). A profession standard is being drawn up for the occupation "supervisor", which stipulates that supervision is a purposefully organised consultative and educational support which in the professional context is received by an individual, group or organisation (hereinafter - the client) with the purpose of improving their professional competence and quality of professional activities, and it is implemented as a reflective activity that takes place in a constructive manner and in mutual responsibility with the client.

Although, over time supervisions have become an increasingly widespread practice amongst social work specialists, lack of requirements for the supervisor of a social worker causes problems. Although no data are available regarding the quality and content of supervision for social workers, it is clear that the lack of requirements affects the quality of supervisions.

Fig. 4

Source: Summaries of State statistical reports³⁹

In 2012 supervision was not conducted for 44% of the social work specialists working in social service offices (see Figure 4). The importance of supervisions is attested by the survey of managers of social service offices and social workers, conducted by experts within the scope of the SW Study, as well as the focus group of sectoral specialists. Respondents were almost unanimous in the opinion that the provision of supervisions is the most important direction of social work support.⁴⁰

2.6. Remuneration System of Social Workers

In 2007 the State Chancellery drew up the handbook "Competences in State Administration"⁴¹. Classification of occupations is determined by Cabinet Regulation No. 1075, Occupation Catalogue of State and Local Government Institutions (social work is determined in group 39). The competences, skills and knowledge necessary for conducting professional activities are defined in the professional standard of the social worker. However, a unified system for evaluating work results of social workers has not been developed yet and it is not linked to a unified remuneration system of social workers.

Systems for determination of remuneration of employees of social service offices in different local governments vary considerably. Several social service offices have indicated the range of remunerations or the total annual remuneration fund to the performers of the SW Study (experts) instead of a specific monthly remuneration. The SW Study shows that there are significant disparities in the level of remuneration for employees of the same level among social service offices in local governments with similar number of inhabitants. In some social service offices a social worker has the same or lower work remuneration than the organiser of social assistance. This creates tension and frustration among employees with lower remuneration.

The SW Study shows that in 2011 net remuneration of social workers working at social service offices was as follows:

● in social service offices of cities - LVL 320-533;

● in social service offices of the large municipalities (population above 20 000) - LVL 345-454;

● in social service offices of medium-sized municipalities (population from 5 000 to 20 000) - LVL 330-560;

● in social service offices of small municipalities (population up to 5 000) - LVL 220-414.⁴²

The analysis carried out within the scope of the SW Study shows that remuneration of social workers of social service offices and also remuneration of managers in several social service offices are significantly lower than that permitted by laws and regulations. At the same time the average gross remuneration in 2011 for the interviewed social workers of social service offices was LVL 394, which was 4% higher than the average remuneration of the persons working in the respective local governments.

Remuneration of employees in many social service offices is not linked to such indicators as qualification and performance results of the employee. Only 10 social service offices (45%) from the 22 social service offices included in the SW Study regularly perform evaluation of employees. This may have a negative impact on the motivation of employees.⁴³

2.7. Quality of Social Work

The professionalism of social workers working at social service offices and the quality of assessing the social situation of the client, motivating the client to improve his or her situation, applying the co-operation obligations, collaborating with other institutions and professionals and managing a social case in general has a significant role in the creation of a targeted social support system. High standards have been defined in the occupation standard of a social worker in relation to the work with a client and solving his or her problems, which intends to ensure a holistic approach to the evaluation of the needs, social skills and resources of the client, looking for optimum solutions and support instruments.

The emergence of new social problems is closely related to the change in the value system of families and society, therefore, it is important to draw the society's attention and to initiate a dialogue with the society regarding the new social problems and solutions thereto. Each social problem requires its own professional solution; however, for this purpose it is essential to ensure the professional readiness of social workers, the creation of various institutions, social networking services and to provide high-quality social services to the society.

The SW Study establishes⁴⁴ that the economic crisis and the economic and social consequences related thereto (high unemployment, continuous rise in unemployment, limited employment opportunities, rapid decrease in income level, increased risk of household poverty, increase in debt commitments of inhabitants, inability to pay for goods and services, etc.) have not only expanded the range and number of clients of social service offices, but have also deepened the existing social problems. Persons addicted to psychoactive substances and gambling, persons of pre-retirement age, perpetrators, long-term unemployed persons, families with children, victims of violence are the most important target groups, in working with which there is a lack of specific knowledge and skills.

Data of the summaries of State statistical reports provide information that, starting from 2008, the number of clients who have addressed social service offices both in order to receive social assistance, as well as to be provided with social service offices, has increased. The number of persons recognised as poor has increased particularly rapidly; at the same time the number of recipients of social services paid by local governments has increased since 2008 as well (see Figure 5).

Fig. 5

Source: Summaries of State statistical reports

The SW Study concluded that the large amount of functions and an inadequate number of social workers in social service offices limit the possibilities of performing high-quality social work involving clients.

The analysis carried out in the SW Study shows that the narrowest range of social services is provided in social service offices of small municipalities. It is caused by such factors as insufficient funding, lack of premises in the local government, insufficient understanding of the local government regarding the need for social services, lack of qualified specialists, high transport costs for the provision of inspections and home care services, and lack of mobile services that could solve the problem of access to services for rural population.⁴⁵ There are up to 5 000 inhabitants in 33% of all local governments. The SW Study establishes that the autonomy of social service offices of small municipalities (population up to 5 000) in relation to social work, provision of social services and social assistance, and administration of services, is restricted, and control mechanisms, decision-making processes and operational organisation is ensured as for an administrative unit of the local government. Significantly larger influence of political and executive power of the local government is observed in local governments of small municipalities, and it tends to be an obstacle for the performance of professional social work, development and provision of social services.

The SW Study concludes that the dominant function in social service offices is provision of social assistance⁴⁶, although social assistance does not solve the cause of the clients' problems. Insufficient financial resources for ensuring the basic needs, as a result of which the social service office decides on granting the social assistance, is only one of the social issues with which individuals are turning to the social service office.

The SW Study establishes that social work with a group is ensured to clients in part of social service offices, based on the needs and social problems of inhabitants of the local government. This micro-practice method of social work is a perspective form of work in social work, which needs to be developed and expanded. Practical experience of social workers of several social service offices shows that group work is an efficient tool for solving the social problems of clients. An additional advantage of the group work, taking into account the insufficient number of social workers and the high workload of current social workers, is the ability to work with a larger number of clients in comparison to work with an individual client.

2.8. Inter-institutional and Inter-professional Collaboration

To achieve an efficient development in the field of social work, the development and active work of different public organisations, associations, foundations that contribute to the development of social policy, is of great significance. The following professional associations are operating in Latvia in the field of social work - the Social Workers Society, the Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, the Clinical Social Workers Association, the Association of Practising Supervisors in the Social Field "Association of Supervisors", the Latvian Association of Supervisors and the Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments. Co-ordinated co-operation between institutions (employers, institutions of higher education, etc.) and professionals involved in the development of social work policy of the state is ensured by the Cooperation Council of Social Work Specialists⁴⁷ established by Cabinet Order No. 128 of 28 August 2006. The established mechanisms for co-operation of specialists for the provision of policy planning and monitoring and exchange of information among social work specialists are unequivocal because the SW Study concludes that the measures taken to reduce the administrative expenses of State administration have affected the possibilities of the MoW to systematically perform the defined tasks, including the quality control of social services and the methodological guidance. The use of the existing monitoring and control instruments - surveys and inspections - is not sufficiently effective due to the lack of methodological and explanatory work for the performance of social work and ensuring of administrative requirements. The majority of managers of social service offices interviewed during the SW Study pointed to insufficient involvement and support from professional associations of social workers, unions for organising the development of social work.

The management process of a social case in social service offices is the responsibility of the social worker, solving the more complex cases in an inter-professional team of the social service office, often involving representatives from other institutions or from other professions, for example, employees of Orphan's courts, teachers, medical practitioners, employees of law enforcement authorities, employees of the NEA, employees of the SSIA, employees of the probation service, etc. The SW Study identifies the main problems in inter-professional and inter-institutional collaboration - lack of information exchange; uncertainty in the division of responsibilities among co-operation partners, unclear boundaries of competences of each institution; the involved institutions do not have a clear understanding, knowledge and skills to engage in solving the social problems of a client⁴⁸.

Inter-institutional and inter-professional co-operation is an essential part of providing high-quality social work. Successful co-operation is based on the understanding of each employee of his or her professional tasks, knowledge, job skills, job responsibilities and a genuine desire to use expertise of other specialists in cases when the necessary professional activities cannot be carried out within the scope of his or her position, profession or institution. One social worker need not become a person who knows all or does everything; instead the worker should address employees of other professions and/or institutions able to carry out the required task. For this reason institutions have different functions and specialists of different professions have different work tasks. In ensuring social work it is also important to know the common goal for solving the situation of the client and to be aware of one's responsibility and role in achieving the joint goal of the team.

2.9. Scientific Research Base in the Field of Social Work

The field of social work has poorly developed scientific research base, although it is one of the foundations for the development and growth of the profession. The current situation is characterised by a very slow and cumbersome inclusion of social work into the family of social sciences. From a scientific point of view, profession⁴⁹ and educational system of social work are new phenomena, and traditions of social work as a scientific field have not yet developed in Latvia within 20 years. Social work is basically associated with a practical rather than a scientific activity. This situation is affected by the traditions of social sciences in Latvia, the science classification, lack of academic teaching staff and doctoral students.

Problems detected:

● the number and qualification of social work specialists employed in social service offices do not meet the requirements laid down in laws and regulations;

● there is no internal control system, operational planning of the institution, as well as monitoring and evaluation of results in social service offices;

● there is no systematic, needs-based support system for social workers (professional improvement, provision of supervisions and initiation of professional practice of a "new professional" who has recently acquired qualification);

● insufficiency of methodological support measures for social workers;

● social workers are lacking specific knowledge and skills in social work practice with different target groups of clients;

● there is no mechanism which would ensure attracting to the sector of students who study in State funded study places;

● insufficient link between education and practice;

● there is insufficient co-operation between educational institutions implementing social work programmes, employers, sectoral ministries and other interested parties;

● discouraging and non-transparent remuneration system for social workers;

● absence of adequate workload criteria and performance indicators of social work practice in social service office;

● underdeveloped inter-institutional and inter-professional collaboration between the institutions and specialists involved in problem-solving of a client;

● boundaries of social work competence have not been set.

3. Political Principles, Objective, Action Directions, Result and Performance Indicator

Fundamental principles of the social work policy arise from the principles listed in Global Social Work Education and Practice Standards:

I Human rights and human dignity, meaning:

● conformity with the right for self-determination;

● promoting the right to co-operation;

● attitude towards each person as to an entirety;

● definition and development of strengths.

II Social justice, meaning:

● challenging of discrimination;

● recognition of diversity;

● equitable use of resources;

● challenging of unfair policies and practices;

● solidary actions.⁵⁰

The policy objective of professional social work is to create a single system which would provide support⁵¹ for inhabitants in alleviating social problems.

To achieve the abovementioned objective the following action directions have been set - improvement of the quality of social work, provision of accessibility and increase of efficiency and sustainable development of professional social work.

Policy result - the social service office provides the necessary support to inhabitants for alleviating social problems.

Policy performance indicator - 75% of inhabitants who have been identified with a social problem are satisfied with the support provided by the social service office.

4. Task and Action Plan

Table 1

No.	Tasks and main measures for achieving the proposed objective	Deadline	Responsible institution and involved institutions	Required funding52 and its sources53
1	Action direction	IMPROVEMENT OF QUALITY, PROVISION OF ACCESSIBILITY AND INCREASING OF EFFICIENCY OF SOCIAL WORK
1.1	Goal	To improve the management quality principles applicable in social service offices
1.1.1	Task: To introduce more optimised management quality principles "programme minimum" and "programme maximum" in social service offices	2015-2017	Responsible - MoW Involved - LALRG; local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, Social Workers Association, etc.); social service offices	IN TOTAL LVL 49 174 including: ESF LVL 41 797.90, SB co-funding LVL 7 376.10, including:
1.1.1.1	Measures: To identify the management quality systems used by social service offices	2015		in total LVL 19 550, including: ESF LVL 16 617.50, SB co-funding LVL 2 932.50
1.1.1.2	To evaluate the management quality systems used in social service offices
1.1.1.3	To draw up the quality management principles "programme minimum" and "programme maximum" in social service offices
1.1.1.4	To develop methodology for introduction of the management quality principles "programme minimum" and "programme maximum" in social service offices	2016		in total LVL 29 624, including: ESF LVL 25 180.40, SB co-funding LVL 4 443.60
1.1.1.5	To train social service offices in introduction of management quality principles
1.1.1.6	To implement a pilot project for introduction of the management quality principles "programme minimum" and "programme maximum" in social service offices
1.1.1.7	To improve the developed methodology for introduction of the management quality principles "programme minimum" and "programme maximum" in social service offices
1.1.1.8	To improve normative regulation (the SSSA Law, Cabinet Regulation No. 291, etc.)	2017		Within the scope of the allocated budget funds
1.1.2	Task: To improve inter-institutional and inter-professional co-operation	2014-2020	Responsible - MoW Participating - DSI; FCMC; MoF; MoI; MoES; NEA; LALRG; local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, SW Association, etc.); social service offices; MoJ; MoEPRD; SIPCR; MoH	IN TOTAL LVL 127 443, including: ESF LVL 108 326.55, SB co-funding LVL 19 116.45, including:
1.1.2.1	Measures: To improve the normative regulation (Personal Data Protection Law, Law On the Rights of Patients, Medical Treatment Law, Education Law, Credit Institutions Law, Protection of the Rights of the Child Law, Law on Orphan's Court, Law On Police, etc.) in order to clarify the competency limits of the involved institutions and distribution of responsibilities for client's social problem solving	2014		Within the scope of the allocated budget funds
1.1.2.2	To draw up 5 co-operation models/guidelines among: ● the social service office, social workers and the NEA and its employees; ● the social service office, social workers and medical treatment institutions, medical practitioners; ● the social service office, social workers and educational institutions, teachers; ● the social service office, social workers, and the State Probation Service and its officers, law enforcement authorities, police officers; ● the social service office, social workers, and Orphan's court and its employees (to compile the approbated models drawn up in Latvia, to analyse the situation abroad, to draw up guidelines)	2015		In total LVL 87 193, including: ESF LVL 74 114.05, SB co-funding LVL 13 078.95
1.1.2.3	To pilot the drawn-up co-operation models in 5 social service offices, if necessary, to improve the normative regulation, to organise information campaigns (in mass media, infographic, environmental advertising, etc.) on best practices and current developments	2016		in total LVL 40 250 including: ESF LVL 34 212.50, SB co-funding LVL 6 037.50
1.1.3	Task: To introduce adequate workload criteria and performance indicators for social work practice in the social service office	2015-2016	Responsible - MoW Involved - LALRG; local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, Social Workers Association, etc.); social service offices	IN TOTAL LVL 57 500 including: ESF LVL 48 875, SB co-funding LVL 8 625, including:
1.1.3.1	Measures: To define contents of social work practice in social service	2015		in total LVL 34 500 including: ESF LVL 29 325, SB co-funding LVL 5 175
1.1.3.2	To develop performance indicators for the measurement of social work practice in social service
1.1.3.3	To determine the optimal workload criteria of social work practice in a social service office and performance indicators for the measurement thereof by implementing a pilot project, to organise an information campaign (in mass media, infographic, environmental advertising, etc.) on best practices and current developments	2016		in total LVL 23 000 including: ESF LVL 19 550, SB co-funding LVL 3 450
1.1.3.4	To improve normative regulation (SSSA Law, etc.)	2016		Within the scope of the allocated budget funds
1.2	Objective	To promote competitiveness of social workers
1.2.1	Task: To develop a system for determination of remuneration, which correlates with the qualifications and performance results of a social worker	2017-2018	Responsible - MoW Involved - MoF; LALRG; local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, Social Workers Association, etc.); social service offices; MoEPRD	IN TOTAL LVL 172 500 including: ESF LVL 146 625, SB co-funding LVL 25,875 including:
1.2.1.1	Measures: To carry out research in social service offices for the development of system for determination of remuneration	2017		In total LVL 74 750 including: ESF LVL 63 537.50, SB co-funding LVL 11 212.50
1.2.1.2	To create a system for determination of remuneration, which has been adapted for use in social service offices of cities, large/medium and small municipalities	2018		In total LVL 97 750 including: ESF LVL 83 087.50, SB co-funding LVL 14 662.50
1.2.1.3	To implement the system for determination of remuneration in a pilot project in 20 social service offices
1.2.1.4	To improve the normative regulation (the SSSA Law; Cabinet Regulation No. 1075 of 30 November 2010, Occupation Catalogue of State and Local Government Institutions, etc.)	2018		Within the scope of the allocated budget funds
1.3	Objective	To improve the support system for social workers
1.3.1	Task: To create a support system for a "young professional" - social worker who has acquired qualification in starting social work practice in a social service office under the supervision of an experienced social worker - mentor	2017-2019	Responsible - MoW Involved - institutions of higher education, which "prepare" social workers; LALRG; local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, the SW Association, etc.); social service offices	In total LVL 26 082 including: ESF LVL 22 169.70, SB co-funding LVL 3 912.30, including:
1.3.1.1	Measures: To improve the normative regulation (Classification of Occupations; the SSSA Law; new Cabinet Regulations issued on the basis of Section 13, Paragraph one, Clause 9 of the SSSAL, etc.)	2017		Within the scope of the allocated budget funds
1.3.1.2	To draw up a programme for training of social workers-mentors	2017		In total LVL 19 366 including: ESF LVL 16 461.10, SB co-funding LVL 2 904.90
1.3.1.3	To prepare social work practitioners (social worker-mentor) under whose supervision a "young professionals" - social worker who has acquired qualification starts the social work internship in a social service office, to organise information campaigns (in mass media, infographic, environmental advertising, etc.) on best practices and current events
1.3.1.4	To re-take the training for social work practitioners (social workers-mentors) under whose supervision a "young professional" -social worker starts social work internship in a social service office	2019		In total LVL 6 716 including: ESF LVL 5 708.60, SB co-funding LVL 1 007.40
1.3.2	Task: To improve the provision of supervision to social work specialists of social service offices, determining shared responsibility of the State budget and local government budget in providing financing - 50% / 50%	2014-2020	Responsible - MoW Involved - MoF, institutions of higher education, which "prepare" social workers; LALRG; local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, the SW Association, etc.); social service offices	IN TOTAL LVL 3 116 663.55 including: ESF LVL 2 649 164.02, SB co-funding LVL 467,499.53 LGB - within the scope of the allocated local government budget resources including:
1.3.2.1	Measures: To improve the normative regulation (the SSSA Law; new Cabinet Regulations issued on the basis of Section 13, Paragraph one, Clause 9 of the SSSAL, Classification of Occupations, etc.)	2014		Within the scope of the allocated budget funds
1.3.2.2	To ensure supervision for social work specialists in social service offices, to organise an information campaign (media, infographic, environmental advertising, etc.) on best practices and current developments	Each year		In total LVL 445 237.65 including: ESF LVL 378 452, SB co-funding LVL 66,785.65 LGB - within the scope of the allocated local government budget resources
1.3.3	Task: To improve professional skills in social work practice with various target groups of clients	2015-2019	Responsible - MoW Involved - institutions of higher education, which "prepare" social workers; LALRG; local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, the SW Association, etc.); social service offices; the State Probation Service	IN TOTAL LVL 687 185.95 including: ESF LVL 584 108.06, SB co-funding LVL 103 077.89, including:
1.3.3.1	Measures: To draw up 9 handbooks (exploring those used in practice) for work with topical target groups of clients of social service offices (persons addicted to psychoactive substances and gambling, perpetrators/victims of violence; persons of pre-retirement age, long-term (over one year) unemployed persons, long-term recipients of social assistance who are of working age, families with children/families with children, young people with disability (in order to avoid getting into a social care centre), young people who are not studying, not working, with behavioural problems, lacking basic skills for independent living, persons released from places of imprisonment, minors/young parents with lowered child-care skills)	2015		in total LVL 139 728.45 including: ESF LVL 118 769.18, SB co-funding LVL 20 959.27
1.3.3.2	To train 90 social workers (10 in each programme) and to pilot the drawn-up handbooks in 20 social service offices	2016		In total LVL 69 632.50 including: ESF LVL 59 187.63, SB co-funding LVL 10 444.88
1.3.3.3	To improve, edit and typographically print the handbooks
1.3.3.4	To develop training programmes and to train social workers of social service offices, who will work with clients of the abovementioned target groups	2017		In total LVL 159 620 including: ESF LVL 135 677, SB co-funding LVL 23 943
1.3.3.5	To re-take the training for social workers of social service offices, who work with clients of the abovementioned target groups	2018-2019		In total LVL 267 490 including: ESF LVL 227 366.50, SB co-funding LVL 40 123.50
1.3.3.6	To evaluate the results of the drawn-up programmes, to organise an information campaign (media, infographic, environmental advertising, etc.) on best practices and current developments	2019		In total LVL 50 715 including: ESF LVL 43 107.75, SB co-funding LVL 7 607.25
1.3.4	Task: To develop social work with a group (also gaining experience abroad) for the promotion of successful socialisation process and improvement of social skills of clients	2018	Responsible - MoW Involved - local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, Social Workers Association, etc.); social service offices	In total LVL 25 392 including: ESF LVL 21 583.20, SB co-funding LVL 3 808.80
		2019		In total LVL 244 950 including: ESF LVL 208 207.50, SB co-funding LVL 36 742.50
1.4	Objective	To organise measures of methodological support
1.4.1	Task: To draw up and distribute guidelines to social service offices for the promotion of unified social work practice	2015	Responsible - MoW Involved - LALRG; local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, Social Workers Association, etc.); social service offices	IN TOTAL LVL 23 000 including: ESF LVL 19 550, SB co-funding LVL 3 450
1.4.2	Task: To organise methodological meetings of the MoW and employees of social service offices, managers/employees of local governments in five regions of Latvia	2014-2020 Each year	Responsible - MoW Involved - institutions of higher education, which "prepare" social workers; LALRG; local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, the SW Association, etc.); social service offices, MoEPRD	IN TOTAL LVL 16 905 including: ESF LVL 14 369.25, SB co-funding LVL 2 535.75, including: In total LVL 2 415 including: ESF LVL 2 052.75, SB co-funding LVL 362.25
1.5	Objective	To promote consolidation of social service offices of small municipalities
1.5.1	Task: To improve normative regulation (the SSSA Law, Cabinet Regulation No. 291 of 3 June 2003, etc.)	2018	Responsible - MoW LALRG; local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, Social Workers Association, etc.); social service offices; MoEPRD	Within the scope of the allocated budget funds
1.5.1.1	Measures: To determine the rights for several local governments to establish one institution - social service office
1.5.1.2	To clarify the requirements for social service offices
1.5.2	Task: To implement a pilot project regarding the consolidation of several (up to 10) small county social service offices, creating two social service offices	2019-2020		IN TOTAL LVL 69 000 including: ESF LVL 58 650, SB co-funding LVL 10 350 including:
1.5.2.1	Measures: To provide methodological support for the arrangement of institutional, legal and financial frameworks for those local governments that voluntarily participate in the consolidation of social service offices (pilot project), to organise an information campaign (in mass media, infographic, environmental advertising, etc.) on best practices and current developments	2019		In total LVL 46 000, including: ESF LVL 39 100, SB co-funding LVL 6 900
1.5.2.2	To perform assessment of the implemented pilot project (all local governments and control group involved in the pilot project)	2020		In total LVL 23 000, including: ESF LVL 19 550, SB co-funding LVL 3 450
1.6	Objective	To develop social work in the community
1.6.1	Task: To draw up guidelines (exploring those used in the practice) for implementation of preventive measures in order to reduce the risks of social problems, to organise an information campaign (in mass media, infographic, environmental advertising, etc.) on best practices and current developments	2016	Responsible - MoW Involved - LALRG; local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, Social Workers Association, etc.); social service offices	IN TOTAL LVL 34 500 including: ESF LVL 29 325, SB co-funding LVL 5 175
1.7	Objective	To evaluate the efficiency of investment into social work
1.7.1	Task: To perform ex-ante evaluation	2014-2016	Responsible - MoW Involved - institutions of higher education, which "prepare" social workers; local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, the SW Association, etc.); social service offices	In total LVL 34 500 including: ESF LVL 29 325, SB co-funding LVL 5 175
1.7.1.1	Measures: To carry out ex-ante study in order to evaluate the satisfaction of a client of a social service office with the support provided by the social worker in solving social problems before ESF investments	2014
1.7.1.2	To carry out ex-ante study in social service offices in order to evaluate the aspects influencing social work practice upon initiating ESF investments	2016
1.7.2	Task: To carry out ex-post evaluations	2020	Responsible - MoW Involved - institutions of higher education, which "prepare" social workers; local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, the SW Association, etc.); social service offices	In total LVL 34 500 including: ESF LVL 29 325, SB co-funding LVL 5 175
1.7.2.1	Measures: To carry out ex-ante study in order to evaluate the satisfaction of a client of a social service office with the support provided by the social worker in solving social problems after ESF investments
1.7.2.2	To carry out ex-ante study in social service offices in order to evaluate the aspects influencing social work practice after ESF investments
2	ACTION DIRECTION	SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORK
2.1	Objective	To develop purposeful approach for supporting studies of persons who study in social work education programmes
2.1.1	Task: To improve the principles of allocating State funded study places	2014-2020		SB - within the scope of the allocated State budget resources
2.1.1.1	Measures: To review the existing criteria for allocation of State budget resources to social work study programmes, assessing aspects of regional accessibility, quality of education and other aspects of significance to the sector	2014	Responsible - MoES Involved - Council of Higher Education; institutions of higher education, which "prepare" social workers; MoF; MoW; MoEPRD; MoH
2.1.1.2	To ensure the submission of proposals to the Cabinet for attracting State budget resources to social work study programmes	Each year
2.1.1.3	To promote the co-operation of three parties - institutions of higher education, which "prepare" social workers; social service offices, which are employers for young specialists; the student, the potential social work specialist	2015	Responsible - MoW Involved - institutions of higher education, which "prepare" social workers; LALRG, local governments, social service offices; students who study in social work study programmes; MoEPRD
2.1.2	Task: To improve the internship system of students of social work study programmes	2015	Responsible - MoW Involved -institutions of higher education, which "prepare" social workers; MoES; local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, the SW Association, etc.); social service offices	In total LVL 17 250 including: ESF LVL 14 662.50, SB co-funding LVL 2 587.50
2.1.2.1	Measures: To define the requirements for specialists eligible to train students-interns (to manage internship)
2.1.2.2	To draw up and implement a training programme in a pilot project for professionals eligible to train students-interns
2.1.3	Task: To provide cancellation of study and student loans from the State budget resources for social workers	2014-2020	Responsible - MoES Involved - MoW; Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments; social service offices; Administration of Studies and Science	SB - within the scope of the allocated State budget resources
2.2	Objective	To improve the competence of social workers
2.2.1	Task: To establish a system for professional improvement of social workers, determining shared responsibility of the State budget and local government budget for the provision of financing - 50% / 50%	2014-2020	Responsible - MoW Involved - institutions of higher education, which "prepare" social workers; LALRG; local governments; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, the SW Association, etc.); social service offices	In total LVL 1 175 492.50 including: ESF LVL 999 168.63, SB co-funding LVL 176 323.88, LGB - within the scope of the allocated local government budget resources
2.2.1.1	Measures: To improve normative regulation (the SSSA Law; Cabinet Regulation No. 291; new Cabinet Regulations issued on the basis of Section 13, Paragraph one, Clause 9 of the SSSA Law)	2014		Within the scope of the allocated budget funds
2.2.1.2	To identify (explore) the needs of professional development of social workers in relation to anticipated changes in the society
2.2.1.3	To implement professional research-based improvement of social workers, to organise an information campaign (in mass media, infographic, environmental advertising, etc.) on best practices and current developments	Each year		In total LVL 167 927.50 including: ESF LVL 142 738.38, SB co-funding LVL 25 189.13, LGB - within the scope of the allocated local government budget resources
2.2.2	Task: To ensure social workers with professional and reference resources	2015-2020	Responsible - MoW Involved - institutions of higher education, which "prepare" social workers; planning regions; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, the SW Association, etc.); social service offices	In total LVL 57 500, including: ESF LVL 48 875, SB co-funding LVL 8 625, including:
2.2.2.1	Measures: To draw up and publish a book on social work theories and methods	2016		In total LVL 23 000, including: ESF LVL 19 550, SB co-funding LVL 3 450
2.2.2.2	To update and publish the revised "Social Work Terminology Dictionary"	2017		In total LVL 20 700 including: ESF LVL 17 595, SB co-funding LVL 3 105
2.2.2.3	To prepare and publish the publication (magazine, newspaper) "Sociālais Darbinieks" [Social Worker] (twice a year)	2015-2020 Each year		In total LVL 13 800 including: ESF LVL 11 730, SB co-funding LVL 2 070, including: in total LVL 2 300, including: ESF LVL 1 955, SB co-funding LVL 345
2.3	Objective	To provide support for development of scientific and research base in social work
2.3.1	Task: To balance sectoral classifications of education and science	2018	Responsible - MoES Involved - institutions of higher education, which "prepare" social workers; MoW; Latvian Council of Science; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, the SW Association, etc.); social service offices	Within the scope of the allocated budget funds
2.3.1.1	Measures: To improve normative regulation (Cabinet Regulation No. 990 of 2 December 2008, Regulations Regarding the Classification of Latvian Education; Law On Scientific Activity; Cabinet Regulation No. 227 of 29 March 2011, Procedures for the Evaluation, Funding and Administration of Fundamental and Applied Research Projects, etc.)
2.3.1.2	To submit proposals to the Latvian Council of Science for amendments to the List and Annotations of Science Sectors and Sub-sectors, specifying information on social work
2.4	Objective	To promote understanding regarding social work and to raise its image in the society
2.4.1	Task: To improve normative regulation, specifying the responsibility of the MoW regarding also social work policy (Cabinet Regulation No. 49 of 27 January 2004, By-law of the Ministry of Welfare, etc.)	2014	Responsible - MoW Involved - LALRG	Within the scope of the allocated budget funds
2.4.2	Task: To raise the motivation of social workers and the sense of belonging to their profession	2014-2020	Responsible - MoW Involved - SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, Social Workers Association, etc.); institutions of higher education, which "prepare" social workers; local governments; planning regions; social service offices
2.4.2.1	Measures: To improve normative regulation (Law On Holidays, Remembrance Days and Festive Days, etc.), determining the third Tuesday of March as international day of social workers	2014		Within the scope of the allocated budget funds
2.4.2.2	To organise annual conferences	2014-2020 2014 Each year starting from 2015		In total LVL 23 000 including: ESF LVL 19 550, SB co-funding LVL 3 450 including: in total LVL 2 300 including: ESF LVL 1 955, SB co-funding LVL 345 in total LVL 3 450 including: ESF LVL 2 932.50, SB co-funding LVL 517.50
2.4.2.3	To organise practical workshops, topical seminars and experience exchange events among local government social service offices and also with representatives of other institutions/professions	2014-2020 Each year		In total LVL 70 000, including: MoW SB LVL 10 000
2.4.2.4	Assessment of professional achievements of social workers and expression of gratitude
2.5	Objective	To improve legal framework of professional social work
2.5.1	Task: To draw up a draft Law On Social Work (including draft of amendments to related legal acts)	2019	Responsible - MoW Involved - MoES; LALRG; SW NGOs (Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, the SW Association, etc.); social service offices, MoJ; MoEPRD, MoH	Within the scope of the allocated budget funds

5. Action Results and Performance Indicators

Table 2

Action results	Performance indicators - direct action performance indicators (DAPI) and action performance indicators (API)	Base level		2017	2020
		Indicator	Year
ACTION DIRECTION - QUALITY IMPROVEMENT OF SOCIAL WORK, PROVISION OF ACCESSIBILITY AND INCREASE OF EFFICIENCY
Policy sub-objective A	To improve the management quality principles applied in social service offices
A1. More optimal management quality principles "programme minimum" and "programme maximum" have been introduced in social service offices	A1.1 (DAPI) Report on the management quality principles used by social service offices has been prepared	0	2013	X	-
	A1.2 A1.2 (DAPI) System of management quality principles has been developed	0	2013	X	-
	A1.3 (API) The proportion of social service offices employing employees trained in introduction of management quality principles, %	0	2013	17	80
	A1.4 (API) The proportion of social service offices in which management quality principles have been introduced, %	0	2013	-	80
	A1.5 (DAPI) Normative regulation has been improved	0	2013	X	-
A2. Improved inter-institutional and inter-professional co-operation	A2.1 (DAPI) Normative regulation has been improved	0	2013	X	-
	A2.2 (DAPI) Guidelines on the possible co-operation models for co-operation among social service offices and professionals regarding solving social problems of clients have been drawn up	0	2013	5	-
	A2.3 (API) The proportion of social service offices, which use the co-operation models offered in the guidelines, %	0	2013	4	80
	A2.4 (DAPI) Informative campaign has been organised	0	2013	X	-
A3. Implemented adequate workload criteria and performance indicators for social work practice in a social service office	A3.1 (API) Proportion of social service offices, in which have workload criteria have been introduced and which apply the performance indicators for assessment of social work practice, %	0	2013	17	50
	A3.2 (DAPI) Normative regulation has been improved	0	2013	X	-
	A3.3 (DAPI) Informative campaign has been organised	0	2013	X	-
Policy sub-objective B	To promote the competitiveness of social workers
B1. Improved system for determination of remuneration, which correlates with the qualification and performance results of the social worker	B1.1 (DAPI) Report on the system for determination of remuneration applied in social service offices has been prepared	0	2013	-	X
	B1.2 (DAPI) System for determination of remuneration has been developed	0	2013	-	X
	B1.3 (API) Proportion of social service offices, in which the system for determination of remuneration has been introduced, %	0	2013	-	17
	B1.4 (DAPI) Normative regulation has been improved	0	2013	-	X
Policy sub-objective C	To improve the support system for social workers
C1. Support system developed for "a new professional" - social worker who has acquired a qualification, to begin social work internship in a social service office under the supervision of an experienced social worker - mentor	C1.1 (DAPI) Normative regulation has been improved	0	2013	X	-
	C1.2 (DAPI) Programme for training of social workers - mentors has been developed	0	2013	X
	C1.3 (API) Trained social workers - mentors, number	0	2013	145	290
	C1.4 (API) Proportion of social service offices where social workers - mentors are working, %	0	2013	-	80
	C1.5 (DAPI) Informative campaign has been organised	0	2013	X	-
C2. Improved system for provision of supervision for social work specialists of social service offices	C2.1 (DAPI) Normative regulation has been improved	0	2013	X	-
	C2.2 (DAPI) Informative campaign has been organised	0	2013	X	X
	C2.3 (API) Proportion of social work specialists who undergo individual supervisions (hours per year according to legal acts), %	5	2011	75	100
	C2.4 (API) Proportion of social work specialists who undergo group supervisions (hours per year according to legal acts), %	29	2011	75	100
C3. Improved professional skills in social work practice with various target groups of clients	C3.1 (DAPI) Handbooks have been drawn up for work with topical target groups of social service clients, number	0	2013	9	-
	C3.2 (API) Trained social workers, number	0	2013	90	-
	C3.3 (API) Proportion of social service offices where social workers have improved their skills in social work with 9 target groups of clients, %	0	2013	17	100
	C3.4 (DAPI) Informative campaign has been organised	0	2013	-	X
C4. Introduction of social work practice of work with a group	C4.1 (DAPI) Training programme has been drawn up for social workers for work with a group of clients	0	2013	-	X
	C4.2 (API) Proportion of social service offices where social workers practise work with a group of clients, %	0	2013	-	25
Policy sub-objective D	To organise measures of methodological support
D1 Introduction of unified single social work practice in social service offices	D1.1 (DAPI) Guidelines have been drawn up on creating a client's file, on communication	0	2013	X	-
	D1.2 (API) Proportion of social service offices, which use the guidelines, %	0	2013	20	50
D2. Methodological support provided for employees of social service offices	D2.1 (DAPI) Methodological meetings of employees of social service offices have been organised by the MoW in premises of the Ministry of Welfare in Riga	X	2012	-	-
	D2.2 (DAPI) Methodological meetings of employees of the MoW and social service offices have been organised in five regions of Latvia	X	2013	X	X
Policy sub-objective E	To promote consolidation of social service offices of small municipalities
E1. Conditions established for the consolidation of social service offices of small municipalities	E1.1 (DAPI) Normative regulation has been improved	0	2013	-	X
	E1.2 (DAPI) Pilot project for consolidation of several social service offices of small municipalities has been implemented, creating two social service offices	0	2013	-	X
	E1.3 (DAPI) Informative campaign has been organised	0	2013	-	X
	E1.4 (API) Proportion of social service offices, which consolidated, %	0	2013	-	7
Policy sub-objective F	To develop social work in the community
F1. Facilitated preventive measures for reduction of social problem risks	F1.1 (DAPI) Guidelines on preventive measures for reduction of social problem risks have been drawn up	0	2013	X	-
	F1.2 (DAPI) Informative campaign has been organised	0	2013	X	-
	F1.3 (API) Proportion of social service offices, which provide social work in community	0	2013	30	80
Policy sub-objective G	To evaluate the efficiency of investments into social work
G1. Satisfaction of clients of social service offices with the support provided by a social worker in solving social problems evaluated before ESF investments	G1.1 (DAPI) Ex-ante research has been carried out	0	2013	X	-
G2. Upon commencing ESF investments, aspects influencing the social work practice in social service offices evaluated	G2.1 (DAPI) Ex-ante research has been carried out	0	2013	X	-
G3. After ESF investments satisfaction of clients of social service offices with the support provided by a social worker in solving social problems evaluated	G3.1 (DAPI) Ex-post research has been carried out	0	2013	-	X
G4 In social service offices, after ESF investments, the aspects influencing social work practice evaluated	G4.1 (DAPI) Ex-post research has been carried out	0	2013	-	X
ACTION DIRECTION - SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORK
Policy sub-objective H	To develop purposeful approach to support studies of those persons who study in social work education programmes;
H1. Improved principles for allocating State funded study places for social work study programmes	H1.1 (DAPI) The allocated resources from the State budget for social work study programmes are re-allocated among institutions of higher education, evaluating the aspects of regional accessibility, quality of education and other aspects of significance to the sector	0	2013	X	-
	H1.2 (API) Study places funded from the State budget in social work study programmes, number of first year students (every year)	115	2013	150	150
	H1.3 (API) Study places funded from the State budget in social work study programmes, number of first year master students (every year)	26	2013	50	50
	H1.4 (API) Study places funded from the State budget in social work study programmes, number of first year doctoral students (every year)	0	2013	5	5
H2. Co-operation of three parties - institutions of higher education, which "prepare" social workers; social service offices, which are the employers for young professionals; the student, the potential social work specialist - promoted	H2.1 (API) Proportion of students who have entered into tripartite co-operation contracts among institutions of higher education and social service offices, %	0	2013	15	50
	H2.2 (API) Proportion of social workers who had entered into tripartite co-operation agreement and who have commenced professional practice in a social service office after acquiring qualification	0	2013	-	90
H3. Improved student internship system in social work study programmes	H3.1 (DAPI) Training programme for specialists (heads of internship) eligible to train students-interns has been drawn up	0	2013	X	-
	H3.2 (DAPI) Pilot project for implementation of a student's internship a head of internship entitled to train has been implemented	0	2013	X	-
H4. Cancellation of study and student loans from the resources from the State budget ensured for social work specialists	H4.1 (API) Proportion of practising social work specialists-borrowers whose study and students loans cancelled using resources from the State budget, %	0	2012	50	100
Policy sub-objective I	To improve the professionalism of social workers
I1. System established for professional improvement of social work specialists	I1.1 (DAPI) Normative regulation has been improved	0	2013	X	-
	I1.2 (API) Proportion of the professionally improved (hours per year according to legal acts) social work specialists, %	46	2011	75	100
	I1.3 (DAPI) Informative campaign has been organised	0	2013	X	X
I2 Social workers ensured with professional and reference resources	I2.1 (DAPI) Book on social work theories and methods has been drawn up and published	0	2013	X	-
	I2.2 (DAPI), "Social Work Terminology Dictionary" has been revised, updated and published	0	2013	X	-
	I2.3 (DAPI) Edition (magazine, newspaper) "Sociālais darbinieks" (Social Worker) (twice a year) has been prepared and published	0	2013	X	X
Policy sub-objective J	To provide support for the development of scientific and research base in social work
J1. Sectoral classifications of education and science balanced	J1.1 (DAPI) Normative regulation has been improved	0	2013	-	X
	J1.2 (DAPI) Proposals for amendments to the List and Annotations of Science Sectors and Sub-sectors has been submitted to Latvian Council of Science, specifying information on social work	0	2013	-	X
Policy sub-objective K	To promote understanding regarding social work and to raise its image in the society
K1 Responsibility of the MoW in relation to social work policy specified	K1.1 (DAPI) Normative regulation has been improved	0	2013	X	-
K2. The society is informed regarding the World Social Work Day	K2.1 (DAPI) Normative regulation has been improved	0	2013	X	-
K3. The motivation of social workers and the sense of belonging to their profession raised	K3.1 (DAPI) Conference of social workers of Latvia has been organised (annually)	X	2012	X	X
	K3.2 (DAPI) Practical workshops, topical seminars and experience exchange measures among social service offices of local governments have been organised	0	2013	X	X
	K3.3 (DAPI) Competition "Best Social Worker in Latvia" has been announced	X	2013	X	X
	K3.4 (API) Proportion of social workers who have received gratitude for their work, %	0,5	2013	2	5
K4. The society is informed regarding best practices and current developments in social work	K4.1 (DAPI) Informative campaign has been organised in mass media, environmental advertisements have been distributed (annually)	0	2013	X	X
Policy sub-objective L	To improve the legal framework of professional social work
L1. Uniform regulatory enactment for the development of professional social work drafted	L1.1 (DAPI) Draft Law On Social Work has been drawn up	0	2013	-	X
	L1.2 (DAPI) Amendments to related legal acts have been drafted	0	2013	-	X

6. Initial Impact Assessment of the Proposed Solution

Social work as a professional activity in Latvia has been determined since 2003 with the coming into force of the SSSA Law. With this Law, local governments were appointed a legal obligation to professionalise the system of social assistance and social services so that by 1 January 2008 it would employ only social work specialists who have acquired appropriate qualification. Since 2005 the social work policy was implemented also in accordance with the SW Programme Several years have passed since adopting the Law and implementing the SW Programme, new and still unsolved problems have been identified, which are of importance for improvement of professional social work practice. In modern living conditions, social work has an essential role because a social worker is the person to whom any resident who needs help and support in solving various social issues, without any fee, may turn.

Due to an economic crisis in the state the perception of professional social work has significantly changed. In the recent years social work is mainly perceived as material assistance, although there is a difference between the notions "social work" and "social assistance". Social assistance is only one of the resources in social work, as well as one of components of the social security system. Due to the economic crisis social workers have been forced to become predominantly providers of social assistance who have very little to do with the performance of social work. The provided material assistance to inhabitants is directed towards consequences of problems - lack of financial resources rather than on the causes of such problems.

The implementation of the SW Framework will result in better access for inhabitants of Latvia to high-quality and professional support of a social worker, which will correspond to each particular inhabitant and will be provided in a timely manner. To achieve this, the professionalism of social workers will be strengthened and improved, control quality principles in social service offices will be introduced and competitiveness of social workers will be promoted. Inter-institutional and inter-professional co-operation will be improved and methodological support measures will be organised. Moreover, it is intended to promote preventive measures for reducing the risk of social problems for inhabitants. Similarly, a targeted approach to the support of social work studies will be developed and the understanding of social work in general will be facilitated.

By implementing the action policy determined in the SW Framework, it is expected that the professional objective of a social worker will be to introduce social changes in society and to provide that they develop in individual forms. Implementation of complex measures, set out in the action directions of the SW Framework, will allow a social worker to professionally analyse social relations in a local government and to work with people in order to find solutions to those problems that hinder social inclusion of inhabitants.

7. Assessment of the Impact on the State Budget and Local Government Budget

Table 3.

	Next three years (thous. of lats)54
	2014.	2015.	2016.
Changes in State budget revenue (funding for the implementation of ESF projects)	544.7	801.2	724.9
Changes in State budget expenses (funding for the implementation of ESF projects)	640.9	942.6	852.8
Financial impact (State budget co-financing for the implementation of ESF projects)	-96.1	-141.4	-127.9
	2017-2020, thousand lats55
Changes is State budget revenue 2017-2020 (funding for the implementation of ESF projects)	3 022.9
Changes in State budget expenses 2017-2020 (funding for the implementation of ESF projects)	3 556.2
Financial impact 2017-2020 (State budget co-financing for the implementation of ESF projects)	-533.4
Other information Measures 2.4.2.3 and 2.4.2.4 in 2014 and in future (10.0 thousand LVL every year) will be provided for the sector within the scope of the allocated funding, performing re-allocation of funding among measures within the scope of the Sub-programme 05.01.00 "Social Rehabilitation State Programmes". Measures 1.1.1.8, 1.1.2.1, 1.1.3.4, 1.2.1.4, 1.3.1.1, 1.3.2.1, 2.1.1.3, 2.2.1.1, 2.2.1.2, 2.4.2.1 and Tasks 1.5.1, 2.4.1, 2.5.1 will be implemented within the scope of the resources from the State budget allocated to the Ministry of Welfare. Measures 2.1.1.1, 2.1.1.2 and Tasks 2.1.3, 2.3.1 will be implemented within the scope of the resources from the State budget allocated to the Ministry of Education and Science. Measures 1.3.2.2 and 2.2.1.3 will be implemented within the scope of the resources from the State budget allocated to local governments. Measures for implementation of which ESF funding is required, i.e., Measures 1.1.1.1-1.1.1.7, 1.1.2.2, 1.1.2.3, 1.1.3.1-1.1.3.3, 1.2.1.1-1.2.1.3, 1.3.1.2-1.3.1.4, 1.3.2.2, 1.3.3.1-1.3.3.6, 1.3.4, 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.5.2.1, 1.5.2.2, 1.6.1, 1.7.1.1, 1.7.1.2, 1.7.2.1, 1.7.2.2, 2.1.2.1, 2.1.2.2, 2.2.1.3, 2.2.2.1-2.2.2.3, 2.4.2.2, will be implemented within the scope of the resources planned for implementation of the projects and measures co-financed by the European Union political instruments and other foreign financial assistance. The abovementioned activities will be implemented as a project of the Ministry of Welfare in the volume of 5 992.5 thousand LVL, for implementation of which 5 093.7 thousand LVL will be attracted from the EU Structural Funds and 898.9 thousand LVL will be national funding (State budget co-financing for the implementation of the ESF project). The indicative funding required for the administration of the project in the amount of 15% has also been included in the indicated funding. The funding required for the implementation of the ESF project will be re-allocated from the Programme 80.00.00 "Unallocated Financing for the Implementation of the Projects and Measures Co-financed by European Union Policy Instruments and Other Foreign Financial Assistance" of the State budget Department 74 "Funding to be Re-allocated in the Process of Implementing the Annual State Budget" The specified funding is indicative.

8. Reporting and Assessment Procedure

The MoW is the institution responsible for the implementation, co-ordination and control of the SW Framework. The implementation of the SW Framework is monitored by the SWSCC as an advisory institution.

The implementation of the SW Framework is provided by the MoW in collaboration with other ministries, local governments, planning regions, institutions of higher education, involved states, local government and NGO institutions.

The MoW provides information (informative report) to the Cabinet regarding implementation of the SW Framework twice:

• interim assessment until 1 July 2017 for the time period 2014-2016;

• final impact assessment until 1 November 2021.

If necessary, the MoW may prepare amendments to the SW Framework and submit them to the Cabinet for review.

Annex
Passport of the SW Framework Policy Result and Performance Indicator Thereof

Policy result	The social service office provides the necessary support to inhabitants in alleviating social problems.
Performance indicator of the policy result	75% of inhabitants who have been identified with a social problem are satisfied with the support provided by the social service office
Methodology for obtaining the indicator	Ex-ante un ex-post researches will be conducted, within the scope of which quantitative survey of clients of social service offices will be carried out; sampling volume - 1000 respondents
Frequency of measurement	Ex-ante research in 2014 and ex-post research in 2020
Forecast of the preferable value of the indicator	Increases
Related results of the activity	See Table 2
Other information	No

Minister for Welfare Ilze Viņķele

(Cabinet
Order No. 652
of 18 December 2013)

Summary of the Framework for Professional Social Work Development 2014-2020

The Framework for Professional Social Work Development 2014-2020 (hereinafter - Framework) is developed to continue the current action policy in the field of the development of professional social work and to identify the priorities of the abovementioned area for the EU Structural Funds planning period 2014-2020. The Framework is a medium-term development planning document, which has been drawn up for the time period of seven years by a work group under the supervision of the Ministry of Welfare. The work group involved representatives also from the Ministry of Education and Science, the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments, the Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, the Social Board of Riga City Council Welfare Department, Riga Social Service, the SW Society, the Society "Caritas", and RSU Social Work Department.

As a result of the economic and financial crisis of the preceding years the socio-economic situation of inhabitants significantly deteriorated, resulting in rapid increase in the number of inhabitants who turned to the social service office. In such cases the social service office usually evaluated the client's financial resources, which is the basis for granting social assistance, instead of a situation where a social worker would assess the client's social situation in general, identify social problems and provide the necessary support⁵⁶. The social service office is an institution in which every inhabitant can turn to in order to receive free professional support of a social worker, attracting the necessary social services and social assistance. During this time the role of social service offices and responsibility for public social protection resources accessible to the public became increasingly consolidated.

On the basis of the experience acquired through introduction of the Professional Social Work Development Programme 2005-2011 and on the basis of conclusions of the research "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy" conducted within the scope of the project administered by the State Chancellery "Support to Implementation of Structural Reforms in State Administration", as well as discussions in different forums related to social work, the purpose of the Framework has been defined - to create a single system which would provide support for inhabitants in alleviating social problems.

The following action directions have been set in order to achieve the abovementioned objective:

• improvement of the quality of social work, provision of accessibility and increase of efficiency;

• sustainable development of the sector of social work.

The tasks and measures of the Framework are directed towards:

• improving the management quality principles applied in social service offices;

• facilitating the competitiveness of social workers;

• improving the support system of social workers;

• organising measures of methodological support;

• promoting consolidation of social service offices of small municipalities;

• developing social work in the community;

• developing purposeful approach to support studies of those persons who study in social work education programmes;

• improving the professionalism of social workers;

• ensuring support to the development of scientific and research base in social work;

• promoting the understanding regarding social work;

• evaluating the efficiency of investments in social work.

Measures 2.4.2.3. 2.4.2.4 in 2014 and subsequently (in the amount of 10.0 thousand LVL every year) will be ensured to the sector within the scope of the allocated funding, performing re-allocation of funding among measures within the scope of the Sub-programme 05.01.00 "Social Rehabilitation State Programmes".

Measures 1.1.1.8, 1.1.2.1, 1.1.3.4, 1.2.1.4, 1.3.1.1, 1.3.2.1, 2.1.1.3, 2.2.1.1, 2.2.1.2 and 2.4.2.1, as well as Tasks 1.5.1, 2.4.1 and 2.5.1 will be implemented within the scope of the resources from the State budget allocated to the Ministry of Welfare.

Measures 2.1.1.1 and 2.1.1.2, as well as Tasks 2.1.3 and 2.3.1 will be implemented within the scope of the resources from the State budget allocated to the Ministry of Education and Science.

Measures 1.3.2.2 and 2.2.1.3 will be implemented within the scope of the budget resources allocated to local governments.

Measures for implementation of which the European Social Fund financing is required, i.e., Measures 1.1.1.1-1.1.1.7, 1.1.2.2, 1.1.2.3, 1.1.3.1-1.1.3.3, 1.2.1.1-1.2.1.3, 1.3.1.2-1.3.1.4, 1.3.2.2, 1.3.3.1-1.3.3.6, 1.3.4, 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.5.2.1, 1.5.2.2, 1.6.1, 1.7.1.1, 1.7.1.2, 1.7.2.1, 1.7.2.2, 2.1.2.1, 2.1.2.2, 2.2.1.3, 2.2.2.1-2.2.2.3, and 2.4.2.2) will be implemented within the scope of the resources planned for the implementation of projects and measures co-financed by the European Union policy instruments and other foreign financial assistance. The abovementioned activities will be implemented as the project of the Ministry of Welfare in the amount of 5 992.5 thousand LVL, for implementation of which 5 093.7 thousand LVL will be attracted from the European Union Structural Funds and 898.9 thousand LVL will be national funding (State budget co-financing for the implementation of European Social Fund project). The indicative funding required for the administration of the project of 15% has been included in the indicated funding.

The funding required for the implementation of the European Social Fund project will be re-allocated from the Programme 80.00.00 "Unallocated Financing for the Implementation of the Projects and Measures Co-financed by European Union Policy Instruments and Other Foreign Financial Assistance" of the State budget Department 74 "Funding to be Re-allocated in the Process of Implementing the Annual State Budget".

The specified funding is indicative.

The Ministry of Welfare shall provide information on the implementation of the Framework to the Cabinet twice - interim assessment (for the period 2014-2016) until 1 July 2017 and final assessment until 1 November 2021.

Minister for Welfare Ilze Viņķele

 

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¹ Politics (Greek - politikē, the art of public management) - specific area of public activity related to the State authority and administration matters, as well as mutual relations between states. Politics reflects economic, social, class, national, legal, moral, religious, etc. interests of specific social groups, strata and classes, which usually are represented by political parties. The influence of politics on the existence of social work and its development is remarkable. (Social Work Terminology Dictionary. - R.: HSSWSP "Attīstība", 2000 - 250; p. 143)

² Order No. 31 of the MoW, adopted 6 May 2011.

³ On 20 February 2012, within the framework of the project "Support to Implementation of Structural Reforms in State Administration" administered by the State Chancellery, the State Chancellery entered into a contract with "SAFAGE Baltija" Ltd. (procurement identification number MK VK 2011/27 ESF) for the performance of the study "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy".

⁴ The conference organised by the SW Society on 11-12 November 2010 "Social Work Development Directions for the Time Period 2012-2017: Reflection of the Problems and Solutions"; practical conference of social workers on 8-9 November 2012 "Social Work Efficiency: Problems and Solutions"; SWSCC sessions (held once a quarter); methodological informative annual meetings organised by the MoW in 2010, 2011, 2012 with participation of managers of social service offices and social workers; the survey conducted at the beginning of 2012 by the Baltic Psychology and Management University College in collaboration with the MoW; the survey conducted by the RSU Social Work Department prior the conference "20 Years of Social Work Education in Latvia" of 17 May 2012.

⁵ It was opened for signature in Turin on 18 October 1961

⁶ Social welfare - there are three elements that are the main criteria used to determine the level of social welfare in families, social groups and the general public: 1) the degree to which the public social problems have been solved; 2) the extent to which social needs of people have been satisfied; 3) the degree to which the social progress possibilities have been ensured. (Social Work Terminology Dictionary. - R.: HSSWSP "Attīstība", 2000 - 250; p. 193)

⁷ Methods of social work - purposefully selected and systematically arranged set of working methods used in the study and identification of the client's social problems, provision of assistance process and evaluation of activity results. There are three groups of methods: identification, evaluation, and problem-solving methods group. (Social Work Terminology Dictionary. - R.: HSSWSP "Attīstība", 2000 - 250; p. 175)

⁸ http://ifsw.org/get-involved/agenda-for-social-work/

⁹ Approved by Cabinet Order No. 84, adopted 16 February 2012.

¹⁰ Social security - one of the core values of social policy; a condition in which a person feels socially protected and secure regarding the support in case if social risk sets in. ... A set of measures designed to build solidarity with the people who have lost or there is a threat that they may lose income or who have encountered specific expenses. The main function of social security is to provide support in case of social risk setting in or, if possible, to prevent its setting in. In the market economy society coexistence of personal responsibility for constructing one's life and a joint and several security system in relation to life risks that threaten the existence is observed. (Social Work Terminology Dictionary. - R.: HSSWSP "Attīstība", 2000 - 250; p. 187)

¹¹ Securability - an ability of an individual not to lose the sense of safety and security, but, if it has happened, to recover security and sense of security.

¹² http://polsis.mk.gov.lv/LoadAtt/file23539.doc#_Toc354384939

¹³ http://polsis.mk.gov.lv/view.do?id=4317

¹⁴ http://www.kurzemesregions.lv/jomas/Sociala_nozare_Kurzeme/KPR_socialo_pakalpojumu_attistibas_programma_2011-2018gadam

¹⁵ http://www.latgale.lv/lv/regionalie_projekti/esf_pr1/results

¹⁶ http://www.rpr.gov.lv/spp/index.php?id=335

¹⁷ http://www.vidzeme.lv/lv/alternativo_socialo_pakalpojumu_attistibas_programma/

¹⁸ http://www.zemgale.lv/index.php?option=com_docman&Itemid=100139

¹⁹ Supervision - mentoring support to a social work specialist whose goal is to analyse and evaluate their professional activities, identify challenges and find solutions by developing the professional competence of the specialist and the quality of the social service. (Supervision in social work. Supervisor's Guide. - R.: "NIMS" Ltd., 2007. - 278; p. 12)

²⁰ A foreign expert from the United States, professor Mark Rogers, is one of the founders of social work in Latvia and has many years of experience in the social field.

²¹ Social work profession promotes social changes, problem solving in relationship between people, as well as empowerment of people and provision of opportunities for them, increasing their welfare. Using the theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes in those aspects where interaction between people and their environment takes place. Human rights and social justice principles are the basis of social work. (Global Social Work Education and Practice Standards. - R.: HSSWSP "Attīstība", 2008. - 44; p. 6)

²² State information system "Register of Social Service Providers" (http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/1047)

²³ (http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/1382)

²⁴ http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/2486

²⁵ http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/2357

²⁶ "Final Report (Including Recommendations) on Promoting the Development of Professional Social Work" according to the contract "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy" p. 40. (http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/2399)

²⁷ "Final Report (Including Recommendations) on Promoting the Development of Professional Social Work" according to the contract "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy" p. 23. (http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/2399)

²⁸ "Final Report (Including Recommendations) on Promoting the Development of Professional Social Work" according to the contract "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy" p. 22. (http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/2399)

²⁹ Paragraph 41 of the SSSA Law

³⁰ Paragraph 42 of the SSSA Law

³¹ www.aiknc.lv

³² Social policy - a component of public policy; purposeful influencing of public processes to ensure social welfare, social rights, social security and social equality of people in the state. Social policy is most closely connected with the social problems in the society. Ways of dealing with them are reflected in government plans, programmes, laws and regulations. (Social Work Terminology Dictionary. - R.: HSSWSP "Attīstība", 2000. - 250; p. 198)

³³ "Interim Report on the Assessment of the Legal Framework, Institutional System and Financial Flows of Social Work in Latvia" according to the contract "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy", p. 140. (http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/2399)

³⁴ Sub-paragraph 24.13 of Cabinet Regulation No. 286 of 13 April 2004, By-law of the Ministry of Health.

³⁵ http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/1382

³⁶ "Final Report (Including Recommendations) on Promoting the Development of Professional Social Work according to the contract "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy" p. 41-42. (http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/2399)

³⁷ Paragraph 8 of Sub-chapter 1.39.3 and Paragraph 16 of Sub-chapter 1.39.4 of Annex 2 to Cabinet Regulation No. 461 of 8 May 2010, Regulations Regarding the Classification of Occupations, Basic Tasks Corresponding to the Occupation, Basic Qualification Requirements and Procedures for the Use and Updating of the Classification of Occupations.

³⁸ http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/1382

³⁹ http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/1382

⁴⁰ "Final Report (Including Recommendations) on Promoting the Development of Professional Social Work" according to the contract "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy", p. 47. (http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/2399)

⁴¹ Handbook for the Use of Competence Approach in Human Resources Management of Public Administration in Latvia. State Chancellery; 2007.

⁴² "Interim Report on the Assessment of the Legal Framework, Institutional System and Financial Flows of Social Work in Latvia" according to the contract "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy", p. 122. (http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/2399)

⁴³ "Final Report (Including Recommendations) on Promoting the Development of Professional Social Work" according to the contract "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy", pp. 35 and 36. (http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/2399)

⁴⁴ "Final Report (Including Recommendations) on Promoting the Development of Professional Social Work" according to the contract "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy", p. 15. (http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/2399)

⁴⁵ "Final Report (Including Recommendations) on Promoting the Development of Professional Social Work" according to the contract "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy", p. 26. (http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/2399)

⁴⁶ "Interim Report on the Characterisation of the Social Work in Latvia in 2010/2011 and Analysis Thereof" according to the contract "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy", p. 103. (http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/2399)

⁴⁷ The Council consists of the Latvian Association of Managers of Social Service Offices of Local Governments, the Latvian Association of Professional Social Workers, the Social Workers Association, Baltic Psychology and Management University College, Latvian Christian Academy, P. Stradiņš Medical College of the University of Latvia, Liepaja University, Riga Stradiņš University, Higher School of Management and Social Work "Attīstība", the Social Board of Riga City Council Welfare Department, the Social Service Office of Rucava Municipality, the Social Service Office of Valmiera City, Ogre Municipality Council, the MoE, the MoW.

⁴⁸ "Interim Report on the Characterisation of the Social Work in Latvia in 2010/2011 and Analysis Thereof" according to the contract "Ex-ante Evaluation on the Planned Structural Reforms in the Field of Professional Social Work Policy", p. 129. (http://www.lm.gov.lv/text/2399)

⁴⁹ The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. Utilising theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work. (International definition of social work profession, which was agreed upon in Copenhagen in May 2001 by IASSW and IFSW) (Global Social Work Education and Practice Standards. - R.: HSSWSP "Attīstība", 2008. - 44; p. 6)

⁵⁰ Global Social Work Education and Practice Standards. - R.: HSSWSP "Attīstība", 2008. - 44; pp. 9-10.

⁵¹ Support - multi-dimensional structure in social work, which consists of networking resources and forms of assistance. (Social Work Terminology Dictionary. - R.: HSSWSP "Attīstība", 2000. - 250; p. 22)

⁵² The indicated funding is indicative.

⁵³ The tasks and events and the planned funding thereof are in accordance with the action "Drawing up of the Social Work Programme, training and supervision of social workers, provision of social assistance, facilitating the return to the labour market" of the NDP2020 Task [273] (Resolution No. 111-1/7 of the Prime Minister of 18 January 2013 on the development priorities of Latvia, objectives and indicative funding for the supported actions).

⁵⁴ The required additional funding for the implementation of the SW Guidelines

⁵⁵ The required additional funding for the implementation of the SW Guidelines

⁵⁶ Support - multi-dimensional structure in social work, which consists of networking resources and forms of assistance (Social Work Terminology Dictionary. - R.: HSSWSP Attīstība, 2000. - 250; p. 22).

 

Translation © 2015 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre)