Activation Work within the Social Welfare System: The Case of Poland

This chapter focuses on the mode of operations of two key 'islands' in the archipelago of Polish activation policy within the social welfare system: social welfare centres (OPS) and social integration centres (CIS). It analyses the contexts in which frontline workers in social welfare centres and specialized facilities work, three fundamental differences arise. First, frontline work practised in OPS is community-oriented by nature. Second, these specialized facilities operate outside the confines of the social welfare system. Third, while the social welfare centres are the responsibility of the local government, these specialized facilities are typically operated by non-profit NGOs. Taking into account the formal framework and the availability of instruments of activation work, Polish frontline activation work can be characterized as highly discretionary towards clients, poorly institutionalized in terms of policy and lacking in resources. The frontline delivery of welfare-to-work in Poland is most accurately described as reflecting an optional activation model.