What's Happening?
Turkmenistan has undertaken a significant reform of its social services system, transitioning from a limited, institution-centric model to a community-based approach. This reform, supported by the UN through a Joint SDG Fund program between 2020 and 2022,
aimed to broaden the scope of support, improve accessibility, and enhance the quality of services. Historically, social services were largely confined to urban areas and focused on institutional care in education and healthcare, with home-based support primarily for the elderly and disabled. The reform has led to the expansion of community-level access to social services from zero to 36 districts by 2025, with the social service workforce projected to cover all 56 districts by 2027. Key achievements include the adoption of a Law on Social Services in 2021, professionalization of the social services workforce through university training, and the rollout of various pilot initiatives such as family and child services, reintegration support for youth, and assistance for women experiencing gender-based violence.
Why It's Important?
This reform is crucial for Turkmenistan as it addresses long-standing gaps in its social protection system, particularly for vulnerable populations. The shift to a community-based model ensures that services are more accessible and tailored to local needs, preventing missed opportunities for early intervention and support. The professionalization of the social services workforce and the legal recognition of social work as a profession are foundational steps towards building a robust and sustainable system. By integrating social services into the state budget and developing a comprehensive legal framework, Turkmenistan is establishing a lasting infrastructure for social welfare. This transformation has a direct impact on the lives of thousands, providing essential support to children with disabilities, young people leaving institutions, and women in need, thereby fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
What's Next?
Following the successful implementation of pilot programs and the adoption of the Law on Social Services in 2021, Turkmenistan is focused on further expanding and solidifying its community-based social services. The social service workforce is expected to cover all 56 districts by 2027, indicating a continued commitment to nationwide accessibility. Ongoing efforts include the professionalization of the workforce through training for university students and the development of bylaws and regulations to accompany the new law. The government's approval of psychosocial support professionals in every region, pediatrician positions in local medical clinics, and preparatory groups in rural schools demonstrates a sustained investment in these services. The long-term goal is to ensure that the piloted community services become a recognized and fully integrated part of Turkmenistan’s social protection system, providing continuous support for vulnerable families and individuals.
Beyond the Headlines
The social services reform in Turkmenistan, supported by the UN, represents a significant paradigm shift in how the country addresses social welfare. It highlights the importance of international cooperation in driving national policy changes and building sustainable social infrastructures. The reform's emphasis on early identification of vulnerable families and comprehensive support for diverse groups, including children with disabilities and women, reflects a move towards a more human-rights-based approach to social protection. This initiative could serve as a model for other countries seeking to modernize their social service systems, demonstrating how pilot programs, when integrated with legal frameworks and sustained government commitment, can lead to profound and lasting societal change. It also underscores the critical role of UN agencies in providing expertise and coordination to amplify the impact of such reforms.
