22nd European Social Services Conference - Investing in people and communities, social inclusion and social development

7 - 9 July 2014, Rome, Italy

Venue: Sheraton Roma Hotel

Objectives

The 22nd European Social Services Conference organised by the European Social Network will be held in Rome on 7 – 9 July 2014. This high profile event will be opened by the Italian Minister of Labour and Social Policy and is organised in cooperation with the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The following issues will lead to a timely debate for all who share a commitment to a social Europe:

• How can we make better use of available public budgets, infrastructure and human capital (including service users, volunteers, family carers and staff)?

• How should we best seek citizens’ participation in shaping their local community and local services?

• Can we make a more compelling case for investment in social services by drawing not only on traditional social work values, but also on research, evidence and the human rights agenda?

Eurofound contribution

During the conference, Eurofound will run a workshop entitled Young people as active members of society; an analysis of policies and practice from 10 countries:
Young people have been hit hard by the crisis and unemployment rates among young people are likely to remain high for some time. Their disengagement has negative effects, not only for future employment prospects, but there is also the increasing risk of social exclusion. A number of recent policy documents, both at the EU level and national level, stress the need to enhance a broader social inclusion dimension in the area of youth. The workshop will explore policy initiatives in 10 countries that support young people (especially those in disadvantaged situations) to be a full and active member of society. Participants will be able to share practices and experiences and discuss cross-sector cooperation based on two case studies.

More information on the programme, speakers, workshops, etc. is available.