A welfare of excellence

The regional welfare system has always been at the top in Italy and Europe for its quality. After the reform of the Italian Constitution, assigning new responsibilities to the region, Emilia Romagna acted to promptly adapt the local system to the new federal reform.

From infancy to old age, the Emilia Romagna population can count on a widespread network of assistance throughout the territory. Emilia-Romagna is the second Italian region for spending on social services and assistance (Istat, 2005).The nurseries in the region are well-known internationally for their efficiency, an indispensable support to the participation of women in the world of work, not by chance higher in this region than elsewhere.

At the same time assistance to the elderly is a widespread service: as well as health care, there are also structures for home help and districts designed and tailored to their requirements. In the overall help to families and children, the support for the elderly and disabled, contributions for the less wealthy, and lastly interventions for integrating immigrants, the Region provided over 93 million euro between 2005 and 2007.