Combating poverty and social exclusion will be the main axis of intervention in Social Solidarity, says Andreia Cardoso
The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stated in Horta the Programme of the XII Regional Government is primarily based on the strategy dedicated to the fight against poverty and social exclusion, with special emphasis on the measures directed to children and young people.
"Our clear priority is the Azorean people," Andreia Cardoso said, revealing that the Government's proposals for this term aim to "meet the needs of and families by supporting them in finding solutions to the challenges and helping them to face their vulnerable situations.
In the speech she delivered during the presentation of the Programme for the Government, the Secretary for Social Solidarity folder defended "a broad consensus on the principles" for the definition of the new strategy, urging all political and social actors to collaborate in this matter.
Having identified that the main beneficiaries of this strategy are children and young people, Andreia Cardoso stressed the Government's intention to adapt legislation and infrastructures dedicated to leisure activities. This measure aims to extend their coverage to several age groups and provide these spaces with the conditions to accommodate children and young people with disabilities.
"We are committed to completing the restructuring process of responses available in the Region in terms of shelter homes," the government official stressed, adding that the Government intends to create "two Specialised Shelter Homes that will be prepared to respond to young people with psychiatric illness or severe behaviour problems."
The area dedicated to people with special needs, as Andreia Cardoso stressed, will continue to be a priority. In this regard, the Government has plans to expand the network of social infrastructures through the creation of more occupational activity centres and residential facilities.
Stressing the importance of Private Social Solidarity Institutions and the "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" in the Azores in providing social support, the government official conveyed the Government's wish to "further extend the participation of these institutions in the definition and development of regional social policies."
In regard to housing, Andreia Cardoso revealed that the Government plans to launch the Agenda for Housing in the Azores 2017-2031, "promoting the assessment of the sector and defining a strategy for housing by 2031."
"This process will necessarily require the identification and evaluation of the dynamics of the Azorean society as well as of the growth potential of housing needs as a result of these dynamics. Furthermore, it will involve the inventorying of physical resources, support programmes and measures, planning tools, priority intervention sites and housing needs," said Andreia Cardoso.
The Regional Secretary conveyed her belief that the renewal of strategies in these areas will provide an effective and sustainable progress towards the Government's ambitions.
"We refuse to accept poverty as an intrinsic feature of the Azorean social landscape and we also refuse to accept that there is little more to do than raise these families above the poverty line," said the government official.