Transformative change in social service delivery and social work practice in Latvia during the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 epidemiological security measures – social service delivery disruption and restrictions on direct social contacts – stressed the need for transformations in social work practice. These restrictions limited the social service delivery options and brought to light existing and new pandemic-related needs of vulnerable populations. The article aims to explore the transformations in social service delivery and social work practice that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia. The research uses a mixed methods design and the triangulation of qualitative data (90 interviews with social service providers) and quantitative data (survey of social service providers, n = 443). It highlights the ability of service providers to adapt to the new emergency situation, to find innovative solutions for the organisation of social work practice and to deliver social services in the emergency situation with rather limited resources. The scope of social services remained almost the same, while the format and size of social service delivery changed considerably. Social workers demonstrated high responsiveness to the needs of service users, the ability to learn and master new technologies and to apply the new skills in social work practice. A conceptual model of transformative change in social service delivery and social work practice is discussed.