Latest news and stories about social services in Portugal for expats and residents.
Addressing the urgent need for creative and pragmatic solutions to reduce hospital bed occupancy caused by patients remaining for social rather than medical reasons.
The government has committed to funding victim support services previously reliant on EU aid, following criticism from the Livre party regarding the Prosecutor General's controversial remarks on domestic violence.
APRe! urges the Government and Parliament to prioritize and implement effective solutions to address the critical issue of social hospitalisations.
A Chega activist has been dismissed from her position at Lisbon City Hall's Social Services following investigations into her clandestine rental properties and allegations of unauthorized legal practice. The dismissal comes amid a controversy involving the activist's connections to the Chega party and her role in a split between party councillors. The Public Prosecutor's Office is looking into her activities, which include renting out substandard housing to illegal immigrants.
Lisbon Metro has opened three central stations overnight to provide emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness amid cold weather. Oriente (Red Line), Rossio (Green Line) and Santa Apolónia (Blue Line) will be accessible from Friday through the early hours of Tuesday at least, a period that the city warns may be extended or shortened depending on ongoing weather assessments. The move — driven by concern from Lisbon City Council — uses transport infrastructure as temporary refuge and highlights the need for coordinated short-term protection and wider services for people sleeping rough during extreme conditions.
The response is available in 13 districts, with Vila Real, Braga, Porto, and Aveiro being the districts with the highest number of municipalities offering foster care.
Neglect was the danger situation that led to foster care in 66.9% of cases. This was followed by situations of abandonment or being left to fend for themselves, which make up 6.2% of cases.
The number of institutionalised children and young people decreased by about 4% between 2024 and 2025, with neglect continuing to be the main situation of danger motivating placement in care.
The number of children and young people in state care in Portugal during the year 2025 reached 6,120.
The Abtídoto Association, located in Vila Real, is providing four apartments free of charge to help the homeless population.
Home Community AIPAR celebrates its twentieth certified foster family with a gathering at Quinta do Meloal AIPAR celebrates its twentieth certified foster family with a gathering at Quinta do Meloal Foster families supported by the Faro-based charity came together to mark the milestone and share
Located between Alenquer and Carregado, the nursery was created with the goal of providing a local social service that is accessible and tailored to families' needs.
It was supposed to be a health centre, but it became an overnight shelter for the homeless. “Nobody knew” about the change.
The lack of therapeutic responses in educational centers has been identified for several years, recalls Luísa Neto, expressing concern regarding the lack of social support for children and young people.
The author reflects on the challenges of increased longevity, arguing that existing nursing home facilities are insufficient and that new social and support systems are urgently needed to ensure a good quality of life in old age.
The Single Social Benefit encompasses over 11 social benefits. The National Association of Portuguese Municipalities wants to know if it will entail the allocation of additional financial and human resources to local authorities.
The institution cites that the maximum legal stay period has been exceeded. The victim's legal counsel contests the eviction and has filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor's Office.
Home News Portugal city establishes child protection unit Portugal city establishes child protection unit The new local unit will coordinate support for children and young people facing poverty and social exclusion.
The provider of the Santa Casa de Vale de Cambra, António Pina Marques, states that the goal is to “increase the maximum installed capacity” because there are “many people to serve.”
Seven out of ten nursing homes have no vacancies, and some people wait six months for one. Perhaps it is worth looking not only at how much we spend, but at how we pay.
The former provider of the Santa Casa was 89 years old
The intervention follows several complaints. The overnight centre is equipped with 120 beds.
The president complains about the lack of technical support and warns of an increase in cases.
Dozens of homeless people were living in tents under the Grijó Viaduct in Porto. They are now being moved to the new Municipal Overnight Centre.
Socialists state that the entity has been waiting for over two years for the implementation of a protocol with the Government.
The government official was responding to questions regarding the 38 million euros in extraordinary support approved on Thursday by the Council of Ministers.
The family lives without running water and produces their own electricity and food. Authorities state that the three children lack proper living conditions, but are allowing a 'gradual reunification'.
Andreia Galvão highlighted that the released data demonstrate “significant regional asymmetries”.
Residential care home, home support, and continuing care in a single space. Cerci Flor da Vida inaugurates the complex in Azambuja tomorrow, with funding from the PRR.
