Prospects and Tasks for Social Service Policies in 2025

Abstract

This article discusses the state of social service policy in 2024, examining both general services and those targeting specific groups—disabled individuals, children, and older adults. We also explore challenges expected in 2025. Our focus for disabled people is on ‘Integrated Care for Individuals with Severe Developmental Disabilities,’ ‘Personal Budgets Scheme for Disabled Persons,’ and ‘Comprehensive Health Care Management Plan for People with Disabilities.’ For children, we examine ‘child protection’ services, and for older adults, we address ‘Aging in Place’ services. We find that social services, in general and for specific groups, require improvements in both quality and quantity. To meet users’ needs more effectively, local-level efforts are essential to strengthen the infrastructure and policies supporting social service delivery.