Perception of social workers in social welfare centers regarding material support to the poor in the Republic of Serbia

Abstract

The social welfare system is geared towards fulfilling the fundamental needs of individuals and families who, due to life and/or societal circumstances and challenges, can not achieve this independently. This research aimed to enhance the understanding of the complex dynamics of poverty and the role of the social welfare system in reducing it by examining the attitudes, experiences, and professional practices of social workers employed in Centers for Social Welfare (CSWs) in the Republic of Serbia (RS). By analyzing legislation and practices related to determining the amount of financial social assistance (FSA), one-time financial aid (OTFA), and lost earnings for working-age household members, the authors identified potential challenges within the support system for the most vulnerable members of society. The sample consisted of 21 professional workers in 12 CSWs in RS. The research was conducted from June 2023 to September 2023. Data were collected through a specially designed questionnaire for this research. The research results indicate insufficient and uneven amounts of material assistance in the Republic of Serbia, as well as inconsistency in professional procedures across different municipalities in the Republic of Serbia.