On 1 November this year, an amendment to the Social Assistance Act comes into force, which introduces, among other things, neighbourhood services as a new form of care services. Municipalities that decide to implement this form of support will be able to obtain funding under the Senior Citizens’ Support Corps.

On 27 October 2023, i.e., almost a year after the entry into force of the Act of 5 August 2022 on social economy (effective from 30 October 2022), the second meeting of the State Committee for the Social Economy Development of the 4th term (for 2023-2026) was held. The meeting summarised the achievements to date in developing the social economy.

The government wants to increase the effectiveness of assistance and support for people at risk of and experiencing domestic violence. This includes increasing preventive measures and better availability and effectiveness of protection for people who experience such violence. The programme also includes increasing the level of competence of representatives of institutions and entities that carry out tasks related to counteracting domestic violence in order to increase the quality and accessibility of the services provided.

Minister Marlena Maląg and Deputy Minister Anita Czerwińska presented promises to social enterprises within the framework of the Ministry of the Family and Social Policy programmes 'Social Enterprise+' for 2023-2025. Edition 2023 and 'Resilience and Development of Social Economy and Social Entrepreneurship'.

On 1 November this year, an amendment to the Social Welfare Act comes into force, which introduces, e.g., new forms of social services, including short-term day and 24-hour services in social welfare homes and changes to training and supported housing. Of particular note are the neighbourhood services being implemented.

Local authorities, but also other entities, can apply for funding for the creation of childcare places for the youngest children under the Maluch+ programme. The second round of the continuous call for proposals will run until the end of this year.

The family is the strength and safe space where we take our first steps, and which prepares us for life in society. This is the highest value for the vast majority of Poles. Family Rights Day, celebrated on 22 October, is an excellent opportunity to remind ourselves of the important role that the family plays, not only individually, but also from the perspective of the entire community.

20 October is European Senior Citizens' Day. On this occasion, the Ministry of Family and Social Policy reminds us of the most important state policy solutions for the elderly.

The first nationwide campaign to promote foster parenting is gaining momentum. In the media space we will see spots or reports with foster families, which will bring closer the stories of amazing families. The creator of the 'Already here!?' campaign is the Edukacja z Wartościami (Education with Values) Foundation. This NGO implements the project within the framework of the tender announced by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy 'Implementation of a social campaign promoting foster parenthood. Edition 2023'.

Giving opportunities to people at risk of social exclusion – including those with disabilities – is extremely important. This is what the social economy is for. In this year's edition of the Social Enterprise+ programme, we have allocated PLN 22 million to support them, says Minister of Family and Social Policy Marlena Maląg.