Klaipėdos universitetas

The aim of this article is to evaluate the changes of Lithuanian family with children support policy during the years 1996–2013. Using concept of change of policy paradigm we try to reveal which trends of Lithuanian family support policy reflects the changes of legal social security framework and expenditure on family social support in the period 1996–2013. It is made an attempt to answer the question can we talk about clearer directions of this policy, certain systematic, paradigmatic changes or only about inessential improvements of existing policy. In the context of path dependence concept it is discussed how new paradigms of family support policy are developing or why old paradigms remain. According to the analysis of legal framework and expenditure for family social risk, during the years 1996–2013 family support policy experienced various improvements, corrections, reformings. However, if the policy change understood systematically, as the unit of objectives, principles, instruments, resources and public support, we cannot identify paradigmatic changes in this policy in Lithuania.

Studies based upon surveys in different countries demonstrate that work-life balance (WLB) is one of important factors of job satisfaction (JS). The present article tries to reveal WLB as a factor of JS in social care services in Lithuania. This sector is interesting due to the fact that personal social services as a separate area of welfare, as well as the profession of social work, was established in Lithuania only after 1990 and, therefore, is little researched. The research findings showed that, if to build upon the overall evaluation approach, WLB is an important factor of JS in social care services in Lithuania. In other words, employees satisfied with WLB in their organisation are more likely to be satisfied with job in general. On the other hand, if to use the components approach, whereby WLB consists of multiple aspects that define the balance and give specific meaning to it, not all WLB factors identified in the research have been found significant for both overall assessment of WLB and JS. Therefore, the overall assessment of WLB does not provide basis to formulate recommendations for improving social policy. This requires creating a framework of WLB that is as detailed and systematic as possible, while restricted list of factors may produce incomplete WLB “picture” within the organisation.