Slovenia has a total of 62 social service centers. Under the new bill, the number of social service centers would remain the same, but they would also become part of a network of 16 regional centers. A national umbrella organization for social service centers is also planned. The goal of this three-tiered approach is to harmonize standards across the country and to optimize the workload.

The social service center in Maribor is the largest social service center in the country, while the one in Metlika is the smallest. The former has 90 employees, whereas the latter has only 5. Both social service centers have to provide the same services, but the question is whether such expectations are realistic, given that some social service centers don't even have psychologists.

Labor, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Minister Anja Kopač Mrak said that the 16 regional centers will provide financial and legal counsel to the existing 62 social service centers. Moreover, the regional centers will have their own intervention services and mobile expert teams, and they will also evaluate the eligibility of people applying for welfare benefits.

N. L. (Radio Slovenia); translated by D.V.