The spatial construction of social services for families with children

Abstract

This article examines the spatial construction of social services for children and families within Centres for Social Assistance to Families and Children (Centres) in Moscow. Spatial barriers faced by social actors – heads of Centres, practitioners/social workers, and family members – are described and systematized. A mixed methods approach was used for data collection, analysis and synthesis. Interviews and focus-groups were conducted with parents and children during the first part of the research; surveys with heads and workers of Centres were conducted in the second part. Based on the Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model and the Lefebvre’s spatial dialectics framework, a new approach for estimation of service quality is offered that focuses on the spatial characteristics of services provision when studying the needs of families and children. The traditional approach to services provision by the Centres is discussed to in those cases when the social centre is not close to the child’s home, an escort service to social centre is needed, otherwise the service should be provided at the child’s home. The research confirmed the hypothesis and revealed that the availability to social services for families with limited mobility children (disabled or early age) is related to transport accessibility to the place where services are offered. Opportunities for mobility through services for limited mobility citizens should be provided, including social services at home and escort services for families with children. The research concludes that escort services for children are in demand but absent in many social organizations.