Families in situations of chronicity and dependency on social services constitute just one of the profiles professionals forming basic social care services deal with. The risk of dependence on the part of these families often stems from two aspects: firstly, the gradual delegation of basic functions onto institutional and professional structures; and, secondly, lack of knowledge or difficulties for professionals when it comes to determining the most suitable models and methods for intervention.
The restructuring and responsibility distribution processes to which European welfare systems are being subjected place the third sector in a prominent position. In this respect, the relational and representational procedures established between the third sector and the public administration play an important role in this debate.
