– One of the first decisions of the Law and Justice government was to add the word “Family” to the name of the ministry dealing with social policy – reminded Minister Marlena Maląg during a meeting with families, organised on the eve of the Family Rights Day.  It was to emphasise the government’s priority of building a strong and modern Poland, based on a robust family foundation.

Family gives strength

As Minister Maląg said, financial support and the development of social services are important, but it is equally important to raise the rank and dignity of the family and create a friendly atmosphere around it.

– Our family, i.e. spouses, children, grandparents, gives us strength – emphasised the Minister.

Investing in the family means providing it with financial support – starting from the “Family 500+” programme to the recently introduced, despite the difficult situation, Family Care Capital and co-financing for nursery care. As regards services, we are developing the “Toddler+” programme and extending the scope and number of partners of the Big Family Card.

State’s duty

– Supporting families is the duty of the state – added MP Urszula Rusecka, Chairperson of the Social Policy and Family Committee in the Sejm. This applies to a number of areas: economy, security or education. Urszula Rusecka noted that the meeting held on that day was an opportunity to discuss other needs of families.

For seniors

Deputy Minister Stanisław Szwed talked about senior policy. – We are glad that we live longer and longer, but we have to respond to challenges related to this – explained the Deputy Minister. He reminded of the actions addressed by the government to the older generation. This is a consistent, high pension indexation, that next year is to reach 13.8 percent, and a guaranteed minimum of PLN 250 per month. – Next year, we will allocate for this purpose almost PLN 42 billion. It is also the 13^th and 14^th old-age pension (the latter is to become a permanent benefit as well).
Parents who have raised at least four children, and have thus been unable to earn an old-age pension, receive the “Mother 4+” benefit, covering approx. 70,000 people.
Other important areas include programmes promoting health, such as “Care 75+” or “Medicines 75+”, as well as pro-active programmes “Senior+” and “The active+”. 

Tasks for everyone

Deputy Minister Barbara Socha, Government Plenipotentiary for Demographic Policy, recalled the message of Pope John Paul II, who said at the United Nations that every country must associate its future with children. 

– Creating conditions for a safe and happy life of families is a task for all ministries – summed up Deputy Minister Socha.

The same

– People with disabilities have the full right to feel the same citizens as everyone else – explained Deputy Minister Paweł Wdówik, Government Plenipotentiary for People with Disabilities. 
The implemented government programme “Accessibility+” fundamentally changes the perspective of using public space by such people. The “Personal Assistant” programme allows for more independence, while “Respite Care” helps families and carers. – This is evidence of how seriously the present government treats full inclusion of people with disabilities – said Deputy Minister Wdówik. 

Family Council

Dorota Bojemska, Chairperson of the Family Council at the Minister of Family and Social Policy, pointed out that the Charter of Family Rights adopted by the Sejm in 2016 provides for adopting family-friendly laws.– The Council consists of individuals representing non-governmental organisations, local governments, people involved in supporting families and making decisions as part of social dialogue. It formulates apt responses in many important aspects of family life – said its Chairperson.