Social services in France

The development of the modern state is defined by its relation to its citizens, as expressed in the ongoing social policy. It was the main idea of the "Social services in France" seminar that lasted from October 15 to 20, 2012 in Toulouse, France.

The participants of the seminar was a group of 33 leading experts in the field of social protection of the population from various regions of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan. The last delegation was headed by Ms. Akhmetov, Head of social programs in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan. Among the Russian delegation participants were leaders of state institutions for the social protection of the population of Moscow Region - Ms. Dikareva, Karachai-Cherkess Republic - Ms. Shayev and Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District - Ms. Kotljarova.

Host side was represented by heads of regional institutions in the field of social protection, rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities.

The French system of social policy, considered during the workshop, is one of the foremost and combines concern for the health of citizens, social support for the elderly, rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons. According to the Head of the Salekhard (Russia) Department of Social Welfare Ms. Maximova, the French system ensures the coordination of various departments in related fields of social protection and increases the efficiency of the whole system.

The participants familiarized with the policies of the regional office of the Social Policy and Public Health. During the visits to the major regional centers of education and employment of disabled people, social services for senior citizens, psychological, medical and social support for children and adolescents with French colleagues, delegates discussed typical issues of social policy of modern society and their solutions, delegates noted the practical value of carried reports and discussions.