As you know, on December 18, 2021, the Parliament of Turkmenistan adopted the Law of Turkmenistan "On Social Services" (https://minjust.gov.tm/), which defines the legal, organizational and economic basis for the provision of social services to persons in special need of support and assistance from both government agencies and public organizations. By this Law, the State guarantees individuals, families, and groups of persons recognized as persons in need of social services the opportunity to use social services based on an assessment of individual needs to overcome a difficult life situation.

In August 2024, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the National Red Crescent Society jointly opened Family Support Service in each velayat of the country and in Ashgabat, which include a helpline, psychological counseling and social services. The task of this service is to provide support and services to families and, in particular, women, in finding solutions to the difficult life situation in which they find themselves.

Information about the work of this service was disseminated through the velayat divisions of the NRCST, during meetings and seminars held by UNFPA and NRCST, on the UNFPA website, as well as on social networks, and immediately found responses among the population.  In addition to the helpline and psychological counseling, these services also provide information about the work of relevant social structures and help with redirection to other organizations, including polyclinics and medical centers, hyakimlik, social services, kindergartens and educational institutions, employment services and others. UNFPA and NRCST will continue to support, improve and expand the work of Family Support Service in order to provide services to people in need of assistance during their crisis period.