Il punto di vista delle assistenti sociali che operano nei Servizi per il Reddito di Cittadinanza. Riflessioni a partire da una ricerca esplorativa in Regione Lombardia

The article explores the perspectives and experiences of social workers in the Citizenship Income Services (RdC) in Lombardy during its final year of implementation (2023), highlighting the challenges and implications related to their professional practices. The introduction of the RdC and the changes over the years have significantly slowed down the social services and the development of shared professional practices. This contribution is part of a broader research conducted using a mixed methodology. In particular, semi-structured interviews with social workers showed the factors that negatively influence or support their professional practice within the services of interest. Important considerations also emerged regarding the issue of conditionality and the experiences of professional devaluation and stigma among the social workers. Lastly, the research findings allow us to start significant reflections on the role and challenges of social services in the fight against poverty, also considering the introduction of the Inclusion Allowance as the new national income support measure to fight poverty and social exclusion.