Challenges of social policy : between reform and crisis

Abstract

The article deals with the social educational problems during the reform period. Under conditions of economic crisis there is an aim to protect those who suffer most, i.e., the weak and vulnerable groups of society: children, youth, multi-children families, socially hindered families and socially hindered groups. Thus, this article makes analyses the experience of two decades of social policy in Lithuania comparing it with the search attempts in other countries of the world. An attempt is made to name the paradoxes of social policy since they are similar in Lithuania compared to other countries of the world. The empirical study shows a clear picture: regular TISSA professional discussion and documenting that the attitudes of the professionals are corresponding with the existing standards of legislation; a few exceptions even seem to prove the rule. Field work and observations confirm the impression and interviews seem to further confirm a strong mutual relationship and respect among co-citizens, social partners, and network and staff members. In this case social economy is growing.