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Social Policy and Services

Semester 1 · 64227 · Bachelor for Social Education · 8CP · EN · IT


The course examines welfare systems, the actors and processes that shape social policy, and the organisation of social services, while providing an overview of the legal framework governing the protection of children and families. Particular attention is paid to the interaction between public institutions, social services, and the judicial system in promoting rights, protection, and social inclusion.

Lecturers: Kolis Summerer, Alessandra Piccoli

Teaching Hours: 48
Lab Hours: 0
Mandatory Attendance: In accordance with the regulation

Course Topics
- Evolution and models of welfare systems - Actors, governance, and processes in social policy - Organisation, design, and evaluation of social services - Innovation, social inclusion, and transformations of welfare systems - Legal framework governing children and families - Children's rights and family relationships - The role of social services and judicial authorities in child protection - Foster care, adoption, and child protection measures - Civil and criminal protection of children - The juvenile justice system

Teaching format
Lectures, guided discussions, analysis of case studies and practical cases, examination of academic literature, legal sources, and policy documents, group work, and student presentations, with particular emphasis on developing critical analysis skills and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical contexts.

Educational objectives
Students will be able to: • understand the principles, evolution, and models of welfare systems and social policies; • analyse the role of the main actors involved in the design, organisation, and delivery of social services; • demonstrate knowledge of the legal framework governing the protection of children and families, as well as the functions of the relevant institutions and social services; • understand the interactions between social policies, welfare services, and legal protection mechanisms; • apply the knowledge acquired to the analysis of practical cases, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Assessment
Oral exam

Evaluation criteria
The oral examination assesses the following: - the relevance and depth of the knowledge acquired; - clarity of presentation and appropriate use of terminology; - argumentative skills; - critical analysis.

Required readings

Greve, B. (Ed.). (2022). The Routledge Handbook of the Welfare State (2nd ed.). Routledge. (selected chapters).

G. Magno (2019). Elementi di diritto minorile, Giuffrè, Milano.



Supplementary readings

Powell, M., Yörük, E., & Bargu, A. (Eds.). (2024). The Routledge International Handbook of Welfare State Systems. Routledge.

Borzaga, C., & Galera, G. (Eds.). (2023). The New Frontiers of the Social Economy in Europe.

Moulaert, F., MacCallum, D., Mehmood, A., & Hamdouch, A. (2013). The International Handbook on Social Innovation.

Greve, B. (2022). Welfare and the Welfare State: Central Issues Now and in the Future. Routledge.




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Sustainable Development Goals
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals.

1 3 4 5 10 16

Modules

Semester 1 · 64227A · Bachelor for Social Education · 4CP · EN

Module A — Actors and Processes in Welfare

This course provides an introduction to welfare systems, their evolution, governance, and contemporary challenges. Students explore the origins of welfare states, comparative welfare models, and key theories of social protection, citizenship, and social rights. The course examines the roles of the state, market, civil society, and social economy organisations in welfare provision, with particular attention to collaborative and multi-level governance. It analyses welfare policy design, service delivery, co-production, community-based approaches, participation, and social innovation. Contemporary transformations, including marketisation, demographic change, migration, digitalisation, and sustainability challenges, are critically discussed. Finally, students learn how to evaluate welfare systems through social impact assessment, equity, accessibility, quality, accountability, and governance frameworks, developing the analytical skills needed to understand future welfare developments.

Lecturers: Alessandra Piccoli

Teaching Hours: 24
Lab Hours: 0

Course Topics
Module 1. Understanding Welfare Systems - Origins and evolution of welfare states - Main welfare regimes and comparative welfare models - Welfare state theories and contemporary challenges - Social rights, citizenship and social protection Module 2. Welfare Actors and Governance - The state as welfare provider and regulator - Market actors and welfare provision - Civil society organisations and the third sector - Social economy and social enterprises in welfare systems - Multi-level and collaborative governance Module 3. Welfare Processes and Service Delivery - Welfare policy design and implementation - Co-production and co-design of public services - Integrated and community-based welfare - Participation, empowerment and social inclusion - Social innovation in welfare services Module 4. Current Transformations of Welfare - Welfare reforms and marketisation - Demographic change and ageing societies - Migration, diversity and welfare inclusion - Digitalisation and technological innovation in welfare - Sustainability and emerging welfare challenges Module 5. Evaluating Welfare Systems - Social impact and outcome measurement - Equity, accessibility and service quality - Welfare governance and accountability - Future perspectives for welfare systems

Teaching format
Teaching methods will include: - Online lectures introducing key theoretical concepts and debates - Discussion of academic readings and policy documents - Case studies from national and international welfare systems - Group discussions and peer-learning activities - Student presentations on selected welfare topics - Guided analysis of welfare policies and organisational practices

Required readings

Greve, B. (Ed.). (2022). The Routledge Handbook of the Welfare State (2nd ed.). Routledge. (selected chapters).



Supplementary readings

Powell, M., Yörük, E., & Bargu, A. (Eds.). (2024). The Routledge International Handbook of Welfare State Systems. Routledge.

Moulaert, F., MacCallum, D., Mehmood, A., & Hamdouch, A. (2013). The International Handbook on Social Innovation.

Greve, B. (2022). Welfare and the Welfare State: Central Issues Now and in the Future. Routledge.



Semester 1 · 64227B · Bachelor for Social Education · 4CP · IT

Module B — Juvenile Law

The course aims to provide an overview of the legal framework for the protection of children and the juvenile justice system. Following an examination of the relevant national, European, and international legal sources, the course analyses the fundamental legal institutions that shape the child protection system in the Italian legal system, with particular attention to emerging issues and the most significant challenges arising in legal practice.

Lecturers: Kolis Summerer

Teaching Hours: 24
Lab Hours: 0

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