Por Redaccion 
The Minister of Social Policy, Families and Equality, Conchita Ruiz, along with her governmental team
The Ministry of Social Policy, Families, and Equality is committed to strengthening the agency’s services by allocating over 76 million euros for the family environment. This represents an increase of more than 17 million euros compared to 2024, which will enhance the care for 28,400 individuals in the region, fulfilling their wish to be treated at home and within their closest environment.
Councilor Conchita Ruiz emphasized this initiative today during the presentation at the Regional Assembly of the budget project for her department for the year 2025, amounting to 592 million euros (7.62 percent more compared to the previous year).
For Ruiz, «these budgets were designed to provide an efficient response and constant support to the most needy families in the region and to accompany individuals from their early years to the last stage where they need more attention, protection, and resources.»
In this regard, the community’s commitment is to be with those who need it most. Therefore, the Ministry of Social Policy includes an allocation of over 1.4 million euros to hire new professionals in Evos teams, to reduce waiting times, both in the agency and in disability services.
Additionally, as in previous years, the Department of Social Policy allocates a budget item of 5 million euros for the expansion of new facilities, approximately 275 in residential, day, and personal autonomy services targeting adults and individuals with disabilities. Funding for operational expenses and renovation of IMAS Public Centers for people with disabilities has also increased by over 4 million euros, as well as for the construction of the New Day Center and SPEP in Churra.
Early care services continue to consolidate in the Murcia region, with an increase of 7 million in agreements compared to the previous year. An additional 3.4 million euros are allocated to further extend this service, which has already benefited 8,000 minors in the region, as it is provided free of charge by the community.
Overall, the Ministry of Social Policy has earmarked 336 million euros to address the needs of the elderly and individuals with disabilities, allocating a total of 102 million euros for pensions, assessment programs, and inclusion.
Approximately 30 million euros are designated for television and home care services. The advanced television service offered by the community to the region depends on user numbers for 50 percent of the new contract ensuring free service, which currently benefits over 13,000 recipients. With an average of over 460 large months, this service has a regional budget exceeding 3.6 million euros.
Both this service and home care are essential tools to ensure that the elderly can freely decide to stay at home. In this case, the service benefits over 4,000 individuals, which can be expanded this year with an additional 700 people, thanks to the 26 million euros allocated by the Ministry of Social Policy.
Support for Vulnerable Families
The Minister of Social Policy emphasized that «behind every budget item, there is a face, a family, a story of advancement.» Therefore, the department’s budget includes a specific section to support vulnerable families and strengthen their social protection.
Over 77 million euros are intended to continue developing actions to protect and create opportunities for children and adolescents, promote genuine reconciliation for mothers and fathers, and prevent social exclusion that accompanies families during periods of economic or emotional difficulties.
In this context, Ruiz announced that the initial allocation of one million euros, aimed at supporting large, unique, and multiple deliveries, will double in 2025 to reach more families and help them cope with maintenance, child-rearing, and reconciliation, among other challenges.
Furthermore, through Regional Support Services for Families, the Ministry of Social Policy will continue to provide specialized services for children and adolescents, offering families appropriate tools to prevent and manage potential risks and vulnerabilities through guidance, mediation, and family therapy services. For this purpose, the community allocates over one million euros.
The councilor also stressed that «motherhood should never be a punishment for women. Therefore, it is necessary to support those who wish to be mothers and face difficulties.» As a result, the regional budget includes a specific allocation of 40,000 euros for the mother network to support pregnant women in vulnerability.
Consolidation of Social Services
The regional government is investing 49.5 million euros this year to strengthen basic social services, develop digitalization, enhance personal relationships, promote innovations, accessibility, and simplification, as well as implement measures to combat poverty.
An intensive companion service with a budget of 1.8 million euros stands out, where the user receives continuous support from a specialized professional to improve or overcome their social exclusion situation. Currently, around a thousand people in the region benefit from this service. Also noteworthy is the upcoming regional strategy to combat poverty, which is nearing completion, with an initial outlay of 300,000 euros.
Regarding poverty, Social Policy focuses on providing comprehensive assistance to homeless individuals to help them overcome vulnerability. Through the fight against poverty initiative, 2 million euros have been allocated to the cities of Murcia and Cartagena, with 120,189 euros each (expandable), to enhance training in innovation and protection, particularly for people living on the streets.
In terms of employability, the community will continue to develop programs to activate and integrate employment, with a budget of 600,000 euros. An additional 250,000 euros will be allocated through a specific line for companies employing individuals at risk of social exclusion.
Combatting Violence against Women
The Ministry of Social Policy also pays special attention to combating violence against women. The General Directorate for Women and the Prevention of Gender Violence has a budget of over 16 million euros this year and increases its own funds to 510,000 euros for the regional Pact II against violence against women. Activities focus on raising awareness and providing comprehensive support for victims of gender violence, as well as initiatives to combat other forms of violence, such as vicarious, digital, and economic violence.
Additionally, 80,000 euros are allocated to rape crisis centers, with Cartagena joining in 2025. A new direct aid line for victims of sexual violence, with a budget of 100,000 euros, has also been initiated for the first time.
Furthermore, around 500,000 euros are allocated in 2025 to maintain the operation of the Comprehensive Care Center for Victims of Sexual Violence (CURAX), providing assistance, support, information, as well as psychological, legal, and social support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
This comprehensive approach to social services and support for vulnerable populations reflects the government’s commitment to providing effective and compassionate care to those in need, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive society for all individuals.
FUENTE