The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Labour and Social Solidarity, has regulated the Installation and Operation Scheme of Social Support in order to prevent social equipments from operating illegally in the Azores.

In compliance with the regional Social Work Code (CASA), the operation of new social support services and/or equipments is subject to previous approval of the Azores Institute for Social Development (IDSA), which will be charge of granting an operating permit.

The licensing request is assessed by IDSA, which will subsequently supervise the facilities of the social service or equipment under consideration.

If the service meets the requirements of CASA, and after analysis of the inspection report, a permit will be issued in an average period of 30 days.

Under CASA, the activity of social support services and equipments is subject to an operating permit so that all authorisations must comply with requirements provided in the code. This applies to new licenses and those already under consideration.

All individuals and legal persons are eligible for requiring an operating permit for social services or equipments, regardless the type of use of the facilities, as long as they are not impeded from doing so.

If the conditions for granting a license are not met, but there is the possibility of meeting them, a temporary license may be issued for a maximum period of 180 days, provided there is no risk to the health, safety and well-being of users.