Understanding Family Policies and Laws in Spain
– The Law of Large Families
Approved in November 2003 after numerous requests from the National Association of Large Families, this law recognizes the changing situation of large families in Spain. The law acknowledges the need to adapt legislation to new circumstances, such as the reduction in the percentage and number of large families. It also addresses the evolving demands and needs of these families, recognizing the difficulties and obstacles they face.
The law aims to establish minimum levels of support that can be modified by the Autonomous Communities (CCAA) to provide more resources for families. It defines a large family as one or two parents with three or more children, whether or not they are common, and categorizes them into two groups:
- Special: Families with 5 or more children, or those with 4 children where at least 3 are from multiple births, adoption, or foster care.
- General: All other family units referred to in Article 2 of the Act.
Furthermore, the law expands the definition of a large family to include separated or divorced parents with three or more children under their economic dependence, even if the children live in different households.
While the law doesn’t specify concrete measures, it does mention benefits for hiring caregivers when parents work outside the home. It also includes discounts and deductions for educational fees and registration prices. Another exception is outlined in the First Additional Provision, which regulates actions related to employment and Social Security.
The overall purpose of the law is to provide more favorable treatment to large families, aiming to reduce and eliminate the obstacles they face. However, it also requires action from both the CCAA and local entities.
– The Family in the Laws of Social Services (SSSS)
Autonomy statutes generally don’t explicitly mention family matters within their powers. Only Andalusia specifically addresses guidance and family planning.
However, SSSS Laws play a significant role in supporting families, both directly and indirectly. For example, the Valencian Community Law establishes a specialized social service to guarantee comprehensive attention to families, children, and youth. This service addresses issues that may affect their well-being and aims to prevent or resolve them.
References to family life are more abundant in specific aspects of different SSSS Laws. These include:
- The family as a specific area of action for SSSS: This often focuses on childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, and sometimes includes family members with special needs, such as seniors.
- The family in the community: SSSS constitute the basic structure of public social services. They offer information, assessment, and guidance to citizens regarding their rights and available social resources. Services include help to prevent personal and family crises, addressing domestic, social, and psychological harm. They also provide temporary or permanent accommodation for homeless individuals and support coexistence through homes, foster homes, and supervised housing.
- The family in specialized SSSS: These services target specific population sectors requiring specialized care. They aim to prevent social deficits and marginalization, promote family life, stabilize family structures, alleviate situations of family deficiency, and prevent uprooting and institutionalization.
Community SSSS provided in SSSS Centers manage programs to implement basic benefits offered by different services. One such program is Family and Violence Prevention, which ensures the provision of home help and alternative accommodation.