Social services are provided by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan, foreigners permanently residing in the Republic of Azerbaijan and stateless persons who are in need of social services, in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Social Services”.
Social service refers to a set of comprehensive measures aimed at eliminating the social problems of a person (family) living in a difficult life situation and creating opportunities for them to participate equally with other people in public life.
A person (family) is considered to be in a difficult life situation if at least one of the following circumstances applies:
· Children are deprived of parental care;
· Children have a disability;
· Minors are neglected or in a socially dangerous situation;
· Due to illness, disability or old age, the person lacks the ability to care for themselves, as well as lacks able-bodied relatives or legal representatives who can provide care and assistance to the person (family);
· The person's vital activities are restricted due to having a socially dangerous disease;
· The person is a victim of human trafficking;
· A child is a victim of sexual exploitation or sexual violence;
· The person has suffered from domestic violence;
· The person has no permanent place of residence;
· Persons who, due to being deprived of parental care, have lived in social service institutions, as well as general-purpose boarding schools and special boarding-type general education schools, have no place of residence after leaving these institutions;
· The person is in a state of social maladaptation (disadaptation) and social deprivation (deprivation).
In accordance with the Law, there are the following forms of social services:
· Social services at home (mobile);
· Semi-residential (day-care) social services;
· Residential social services;
· Social counselling assistance.
Social services provided to persons (families) in difficult life situations are divided into the following types depending on their purpose:
· Social and household services – aimed at improving the living and household conditions of individuals (families);
· Medical and social services – aimed at improving the health condition of individuals;
· Social and psychological services – provide psychological assistance with the aim of helping individuals adapt to society;
· Social and pedagogical services – aimed at preventing developmental delays and behavioural problems among minors, developing positive interests, organising their leisure time and supporting their upbringing within the family;
· Social and economic services – aimed at maintaining and strengthening the living standards of individuals;
· Social and legal services – aimed at providing legal assistance and protecting the rights of individuals;
· Social and cultural services – aimed at helping individuals adapt to social and cultural life and organising their leisure time effectively;
· Palliative services – aimed at identifying and assessing the physical, psychological, spiritual and other problems of persons with incurable illnesses and their family members, and providing assistance to them.