This report documents and analyses the current state of the social services and social care structures of the municipalities in the Region of Crete for the period 2021–2023. Where data are available, comparisons are made with the 2018–2020 period in order to highlight the main developments, changes, and persistent challenges over time.

The analysis is based on data from the “Mapping of Social Services and Structures of the Municipalities in the Region of Crete”, collected through questionnaires completed by the competent social services and structures of the Municipalities. It focuses on issues related to staffing, staff training, infrastructure, equipment, as well as organisational and operational needs that affect the effective functioning of these services.

The findings reveal significant spatial disparities in the staffing of social services, limited availability of specialised professional staff, and a high dependence on fixed-term employees. At the same time, they identify a widespread need to strengthen human resources, provide continuous staff training, upgrade infrastructure and equipment, and improve administrative organisation and digital interconnection among services. Furthermore, municipalities highlight the need to develop new and more specialised social interventions in order to respond more effectively to contemporary and complex social needs.

The report aims to serve as a tool for evidence-based planning and strategic decision-making, contributing to the strengthening of the operational capacity of municipal social services and to the development of more effective policies for social inclusion and social cohesion in the Region of Crete.