engleski

Children in the social welfare during economic crisis: the case of Croatia

The economic crisis has significantly affected the impoverishment of Croatian population which is why many families live below the poverty line. In the last years the number of beneficiaries in the social welfare system increased evidently due to poor material conditions of living. There is a growing need of individuals and families to obtain income payments from the social welfare system. It is precisely in times of economic crisis, when children become particularly vulnerable population due to increased risk of poverty and the reduction of public expenditure. Children are particularly dependent on public policies and actions which should facilitate and enable access to social resources and thus open a way out of poverty. The social work profession which is in direct and daily contact with people who live in conditions of poverty and their children has a significant role and opportunities in the implementation of measures and activities to escape poverty. The question is how social workers in Croatia can help children living in poverty when austerity measures are applied and there is a pressure to cut public costs? For example, since 2014, the new Law on Social Welfare proscribes that children aged 0-18 years receive only 40% of a permanent allowance (HRK320 / £32). Before 2014, the Social Welfare Act regulated the basis of children's rights to permanent financial support in the amount of 80% to 100%, depending on the age of the child. The paper will show specific characteristics of poor children in Croatia and point out the possibilities to raise the quality of work and social services, especially importance of early intervention and preventive work with children and parents living in poverty.

economic crisis, austerity measures, social work, child poverty

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