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Use voucher system as a tool to increase the efficiency of social services funding
HORYNOVÁ, Jana
The aim of the dissertation is to analyze the system of providing and financing social services and to assess to what extent the introduction of a voucher system through social systems cards contribute to the effectiveness of the financing of social services. To achieve this objective we chose a combination of three sociological methods - qualitative research method based on secondary data analysis, questionnaire survey among persons with dependent children who have been granted an allowance for care and in-depth interviews with experts from amongst the selected branches of labor offices, regional and municipal authorities and from the field of social services providers. The theoretical part is devoted to the characterization of the financing of social services in our country. Based on the analysis of available statistical data, it is demonstrated that the current system of providing and financing social services is inefficient and it is therefore necessary to find new elements that would contribute to the stabilization especially in the area of financing in order to create the necessary to create conditions for ensuring the optimal form of security needs of the person relies on the provision of social services. It indicates (based on the characteristics of foreign experience) that one of the ways to increase the effectiveness of the financing of social services is the introduction of a voucher system. In relation with the implementation of social reforms after 2008, our country decided to introduce a social systems card, which can be understood as an electronic payment voucher, i.e. as a tool, which leads to expansion of yet provided services in social benefits and to increase user comfort. A similar system has been introduced in the past and is still used in many European countries such as Italy, the UK or Finland. Currently, the Czech Republic is the only country in Europe where care allowance is paid only in cash and care allowance is not often used to provide the necessary social services. One way to prevent this is a transition into non-cash benefits payment. One of these options is to use the voucher system, which ensures that the funds earmarked for the provision of social services, will also be in this area actually inserted. The form of benefit payment for care has changed within the implementation of social reforms. Since its payment by postal order was, in early 2012, accede to payment under the cashless payment cards through social systems. This form of distribution, however, wasn't met with a positive response, and it was subsequently decided to cancel the card and return to the original form of payment of the allowance for care and all non-insurance social benefits. This has led to the fact that the original goal of my work - to assess to what extent the introduction of a voucher system through cards social systems contribute to the effectiveness of the financing of social services - failed to fully implement. In summary, it is clear that the current system of financing social services is inefficient, and therefore it will be necessary - particularly in relation to expected demographic trends - to fundamentally change it. Re-introduction of non-cash forms of benefit payment for care can be regarded as one of the tools that could enhance the efficiency of provision and funding of social services. However, it is necessary to learn from the mistakes that have been implemented in the past period of time, emphasis on timely, quality and positive information campaign with an emphasis on explaining the benefits of the new system of social benefits, correct timing of the various steps of the solution and in advance of this solution to acquaint the general population.
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