A New Paradigm of Social Support: Circles of Support in Social Service Centers as a Tool for Systemic Change in Poland

Abstract

This study examines the feasibility of implementing circles of support for persons with disabilities within social service centers in Poland as a systemic solution promoting community-based support. The research follows the action research approach, combining theory and practice through participant involvement, reflection, cooperation, and change-oriented actions to address analyzed problems. The authors developed and tested the model in two diverse municipalities, analyzing legal, financial, and organizational dimensions. Results demonstrate that circles of support are legally feasible and financially sustainable, with approximate annual costs per participant comparable across different organizational models. Main challenges include limited funding and staff, especially in rural areas. Despite this, the model supports deinstitutionalization and can improve social inclusion, independence, and quality of life for people with disabilities. The study highlights the need for stable funding, thorough staff training, and coordination of formal and informal support, offering practical recommendations for scaling up such services in Poland.

1. Introduction

Circles of support for people with disabilities represent an innovative strategy for building social support networks aimed at assisting individuals with disabilities in their daily lives and promoting social integration. This is a method that combines formal and informal elements, engaging the local community. Circles of support help individuals with disabilities to lead more independent and socially integrated lives, although their implementation may face certain organizational and societal challenges.

Circles of support are established around a person with a disability, connecting formal support (e.g., doctors, therapists) with informal support (e.g., family members, friends, neighbours). The aim is to create a personalized support system that responds to the specific needs and preferences of the individual with a disability [1,2]. Circles of support actively engage the local community, thus fostering social inclusion and improving the well-being of people with disabilities [3,4]. Collaboration with families and communities is crucial for the effective functioning of these circles [5].

In recent years, the model of circles of support has gained significant importance in shaping public policy in Poland, becoming a symbol of a new approach to community-based support for people with disabilities. As a response to the challenges of deinstitutionalization and the need for the development of individualized, integrated forms of assistance, circles of support have been included in several strategic documents, including the Strategy for People with Disabilities 2021–2030 and the Strategy for the Development of Social Services until 2035. Their role has been further reinforced by their recognition as a model social service within the framework of social service centres and by their planned inclusion in the amended Social Assistance Act. These efforts culminate in the announced systemic scaling project for 2025–2029, aiming at the permanent integration of the model into the structure of local social policies.

Although, at the systemic level, circles of support have been recognized as a key element in the deinstitutionalization process of support for people with disabilities in Poland, there is still a lack of feasibility analysis regarding their implementation through social service centres in a way that enables genuine widespread adoption. A methodology that could serve as a catalyst for the development of community-based services in Poland remains underdeveloped. This article aims to address that gap.

The objective of this article is to conduct a multifaceted feasibility analysis for the implementation of circles of support for people with disabilities in Poland, considering financial, legal, and staff preparation dimensions.

We employ various research methods, including legal analysis, cost analysis, and quantitative research involving staff from social service centres (SSCs) and social assistance centres (SACs) regarding the possibilities for implementing circles of support. The subject of evaluation is the social service model of circles of support developed under the project “Circles of Support—from Concept to Dissemination,” financed by the State Fund for Rehabilitation of Disabled People in Poland. This article has been prepared within the framework of that project. The model development process was based on an action research methodology, in which researchers accompanied the process of developing model solutions.

The article is organized into several sections. The initial parts provide a synthetic overview of the idea of circles of support, the history of the model in Poland, and its placement within the broader context of disability policy in Poland. This section concludes with a description of circles of support as a service implemented through SSC, which in the empirical section is subjected to a feasibility analysis. Subsequent sections present the applied methods and the results of the conducted analyses. The article concludes with a summary.

2. Conceptual Framework

2.1. Circles of Support—Development and Theoretical Foundations of the Method

The model of circles of support for persons with disabilities originates from interdisciplinary concepts developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, primarily in Canada, the United States, and Scandinavian countries. Its theoretical foundations are rooted in social psychology, sociology, and special education—particularly in theories of social capital and the role of support networks in social integration [6]. The first formal descriptions and implementations of circles of support were developed by Jack Pearpoint and Marsha Forest as part of the Inclusion Press project in Toronto during the 1980s [7]. Initially, the model was used mainly in educational settings as the “Circle of Friends”, serving to build supportive social networks around students with disabilities.

The circles of support model has strong theoretical foundations, combining social, cultural, and institutional elements. A key theoretical framework is the social model of disability, which views disability as the result of societal and systemic barriers rather than individual dysfunction [8,9]. In this perspective, the solution lies not in providing care, but in creating social environments that respond to diverse needs—precisely as envisioned by circles of support.

Another important basis is the concept of social inclusion, especially in the form promoted by contemporary EU educational and social strategies [10,11,12]. The model assumes active participation of persons with disabilities in social life and supports their social roles according to their preferences and capabilities. Circles of support meet these requirements by creating inclusive, sustainable relationships between individuals and their environments.

The third pillar of the model is empowerment theory, which in its modern interpretation combines psychological and social approaches aimed at strengthening individuals’ sense of agency, self-determination, and control over their own lives [13,14,15]. Circles of support are not a form of substitute care but a mechanism that enables persons with disabilities to make decisions with social support.

Finally, the theory of social capital plays a critical role in the circles model, emphasizing the importance of networks of relationships and trust as both individual and communal resources [6,16,17]. Building and strengthening social capital around a person with a disability leads not only to an improvement in their quality of life but also to the integration and development of entire local communities.

The multidimensional positive effects of implementing circles of support have also been demonstrated in numerous studies. Circles help persons with disabilities live more independently and improve social support indicators while promoting social integration and well-being [1,3,5]. They shift control over the identification and management of support needs from institutions to individuals, allowing persons with disabilities greater control over their lives [1,2]. Circles of support also provide crucial emotional support for coping with challenges related to disability [2,5] and often combine formal and informal support, engaging a variety of people and institutions to meet the individual needs of persons with disabilities [1,18].

2.2. Development of the Circles of Support Model in Poland

Knowing the theoretical land public policy foundations of the circles of support, the development and adaptation of the circles of support model in Poland has followed its own specific trajectory, shaped by local social policy reforms, institutional changes, and growing recognition of the need for community-based, person-centered support.The first attempts to adapt the circles of support model in Poland appeared in the 1990s, mainly within non-governmental organizations working for persons with intellectual disabilities. Initially, they were implemented as pilot projects, often funded by international sources. A breakthrough in the development of the model came with its inclusion in the deinstitutionalization process of social services, which gained momentum after Poland’s accession to the European Union and the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2012.

In recent years, with the growing emphasis on the personalization of social services and the development of community-based support, the circles of support model has gained importance as an effective tool for social integration. The establishment of social service centres (SSCs) in 2019, created by transforming social assistance centres (SACs—the primary units responsible for providing support within the public social assistance system), opened new opportunities for the systemic implementation of this model within local social policies.

The first circles of support began in Warsaw in 2015 under the Warsaw Forum for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. The model was later introduced in eight more communities by the Polish Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PSONI) and its partners. In 2021, PSONI branches in Bytom, Tarnów, and Zgierz joined the initiative. In the following years, the model expanded to community self-help homes and primary schools in several locations.

2.3. Support Circles in Public Policy in Poland

In recent years, the support circles model has become one of the key elements in the strategy for the development of social services in Poland. Its increasing application and growing importance are reflected both in strategic documents and in proposed legislative and institutional solutions.

A turning point for the institutionalization of the support circles model in public policy was the adoption of the Strategy for People with Disabilities 2021–2030 (resolution of 16 February 2021). This document includes support circles as a tool to ensure the sustainability of community-based support for individuals with intellectual disabilities, alongside other forms of support facilitating independent living.

The support circles model was also included in the Strategy for the Development of Social Services until 2035, prepared by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. This strategy treats support circles as an innovative and individualized form of organizing social support in local communities, addressing the need for deinstitutionalization and increasing the independence of people with disabilities.

Since 2024, support circles have been increasingly viewed as a model social service implemented by SSCs with significant potential for scaling. This model is based on the provisions of the 2019 Act on the Implementation of Social Services by SSC, enabling its implementation at the local level as part of the Program for Social Services. This approach strengthens support circles as a tool of local government and community policy.

The team working on the reform of the Social Assistance Act included the support circles model in the planned legislative changes. Proposed amendments include the introduction of a definition of support circles into the Act, allowing for their implementation as a service benefit within the social assistance system, on par with other forms of community-based support, such as caregiving services or personal assistance.

From 2025 to 2029, a systemic project is planned to scale the support circles model nationwide. This project, co-financed by European and national funds, aims to implement support circles in at least several dozen municipalities, and to develop quality standards, training tools, and mechanisms for monitoring the effects of the service.

The process of expanding the significance of support circles in public policy in Poland can be described as an evolution from a grassroots initiative to a systemic tool. The integration of support circles into strategic documents, legislation, and institutional practice (SSCs, community-based self-help centres, schools) is evidence of their growing role in the transformation of social services. This model aligns with the long-term direction of deinstitutionalization and strengthening local support systems, in line with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

2.4. Support Circles Service in Social Service Centers in Poland

The circles of support model is an environment-and person-centred support system for individuals with disabilities, aiming to enable them to live independently, with dignity, and safely within their local community, in accordance with the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Art. 19). The model involves launching four integrated support pathways:

• Person-Centred Planning. The person with a disability is at the heart of the process, with their needs, dreams, potential, and resources in focus.
• Building a Personal Support Network and Integration into the Local Community. The support circle consists of people from the individual’s surroundings—family, friends, neighbours, volunteers, professionals (e.g., personal assistants, social workers, therapists), as well as people from the local community (e.g., shop assistants, neighbourhood police officers).
• Personalized and Coordinated Social Services (e.g., personal assistance, supported housing, supported employment, rehabilitation). This model assumes that every person, regardless of their degree of dependence, has the right to self-determination and participation in social life.
• Strengthening Families of People with Disabilities. This includes gradual planning and securing the future—housing, financial, and social—by creating self-help groups for families, where they share experiences, provide emotional and practical support, and participate together in actions aimed at making the local community more inclusive for people with disabilities.

The impact of support circles on the quality of life for individuals with disabilities focusses on integrating the work of various specialists in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities through a key worker (in the case of SSC, this is a dedicated position). This is reflected in the continuously developed life plan for the individual. From a methodological perspective, the result is increasing empowerment, meaning the individual’s real influence over their life. A key channel for influencing quality of life is the animation and support of the social network around the individual (the “circle”) by the key worker. The measure of change is the increase in the number of people with whom the individual maintains relationships of various types (emotional, friendship, mutual service exchange), thus expanding their social capital.

The activities of support circles, which should be synergistically strengthened by other social services provided by SSCs (e.g., respite care, legal advice, psychological support), as well as activities within the realm of organizing the local community (people with disabilities and their circles become part of the broader life of the local community), lead to an increase in participation in local community life—true social inclusion.

At the institutional level, the embedding and safe implementation of the model requires the integration by SSCs of the formal system (facilities supporting people with disabilities and other social and health policy entities) and the informal system (family, social surroundings, local community), which is managed by the coordinator of support circles. It is also crucial to combine permanent actions carried out by a specially established SSC program unit, the Centre for Support Circles, which serves as a substantive and supervisory backup for activities carried out by other entities providing the social service. Experienced staff at the Centre for Support Circles conduct training, offer advice, and supervise the implementation of the service. Additionally, it is necessary to develop regulations for commissioning the social service “support circles” to social economy entities and forms of cooperation with the Centre for Support Circles operating within SSCs. Contracting the service requires setting measurable goals (the number of circles and supported individuals) and numerically defined tasks (number of workshops, meetings, hours of companionship). A financial calculation and a time horizon for the service implementation (preferably three years) are also essential elements.

In European countries where the circles of support model is implemented, two approaches can be identified. In the first one, applied, for example, in Sweden, the individualized, community-centred support is deeply embedded in the welfare system. Individuals with disabilities are granted personalized support rights, including the employment of personal assistants, enabling greater autonomy and self-determination. This framework, emphasizing individual choice and independence, resonates with the objectives of circles of support, albeit through a different operational structure [19,20]. In countries such as in the Netherlands, the second approach was chosen, where the circles of support are formally integrated into care systems for persons with intellectual disabilities. They serve not only to provide daily support but also to assist in crisis situations. The Dutch model systematically involves family, friends, and professionals to create a robust support network around individuals with disabilities [21]. Comparatively, the Dutch model exhibits greater formalization within public policies and service structures, whereas the Swedish model emphasizes flexible, user-driven assistance without the formal branding of “circles of support.” In terms of financing, Sweden offers beneficiaries greater financial autonomy, whereas in the Netherlands, funding and service organization remain more institutionally managed. Both models emphasize the critical role of local community engagement, albeit to varying degrees of formalization.

3. Materials and Methods

The research process was carried out in several stages. The first stage focused on developing the support circles service model implemented in SSCs. Developing the model was part of action research, where the authors of the article supported two selected SSCs, in Goleniów and Milanówek, in the process of developing the model service. The SSC in Goleniów serves a medium-sized city (34,000 residents) in the north-western part of Poland and is already at an advanced stage of implementing the support circles model. The SSC in Milanówek serves a small but very wealthy town near the capital, and the implementation of support circles is still in the preparatory phase there. The comparison of these two perspectives—associated with different experiences in implementing support circles and the varying situations of the municipalities in which they operate—allows for the verification of mutual assumptions. The research is in line with the principles of action research, which combines theory with practice, focusing on real problems and engaging participants in the research process. Key assumptions of this method include cooperation, reflection, and introducing changes through action, making it an effective tool for solving problems in various social and organizational contexts (e.g., [22,23,24]). The researchers participated in meetings and consultations, both conducted in the analysed institutions and in local communities. They accompanied the process of developing the model service at every stage in the SSCs in Milanówek and Goleniów. To ensure validity and reliability in qualitative observations and reflections, multiple data sources were triangulated, including minutes for meetings and consultations and other field notes. Researchers engaged in regular reflexive discussions to minimize bias and ensure consistent interpretation of data. Additionally, participants were given the opportunity to review and verify the findings (member checking), which enhanced the credibility of the results.

The next step of the research was the feasibility analysis of the developed model service, which included financial, legal, and staff preparedness analyses. The legal analysis reviewed key legal acts regulating the operation of SSC regarding the possibility of implementing support circles. The financial analysis involved calculating the costs of implementing the service in various variants, as well as the costs of inaction.

The staff preparedness was assessed based on the results of a nationwide survey conducted on a representative sample of social assistance centres (SACs) and social service centres (SSCs) using the CATI (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing) method. A random sampling method was applied, with divisions into the following strata: provinces (1) and types of municipalities (2): rural municipality (a), urban/rural municipality (b), urban municipality (c), city with county rights (d). The sampling frame was the nationwide database of SACs/SSCs that is publicly available. Initially, the sample size was planned to ensure a sampling error of 5% in the statistical inference procedure, i.e., approximately 350 units. However, it was ultimately decided to increase the sample size to 500 units to make the results more robust. The methods used to analyse the data were significance tests for proportions and differences in proportions. The survey was conducted in each of the 16 provinces in Poland. Respondents were representatives of the management staff of selected SACs and SSCs: directors or managers of the units, as well as deputy directors or managers. The effective sample size was 500 entities from across the country, representing over 20% of all SACs/SSCs in Poland. Data from the survey can be generalized to the entire population of SACs/SSCs. The full data from the survey are presented in the Supplementary Materials. To manage and analyse the data IBM SPSS Statistics was used, version 29.02, IBM Corporation, New York, NY, USA. The schematic representation of the research process is illustrated in the Scheme 1.

4. Results

The results of the feasibility analysis of the support circles model were carried out on three levels: legal analysis, financial (cost) analysis, and the level of staff preparedness.

4.1. Legal Analysis

The aim of the legal analysis was to identify the legal foundations that enable the provision of support circle services for individuals with disabilities as a comprehensive service delivered by SSCs, as well as the methods of delivering this service within the municipality. In order to conduct this analysis, it was necessary to place the service within the catalogue of legal guarantees granted to individuals with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual disabilities. This also required characterizing the legal basis for the functioning of SSCs and the principles of providing social services, as well as defining the concept of these services. The analysis covered the following legal acts:

• The Constitution of the Republic of Poland of 2 April 1997 (Journal of Laws No. 78, item 483, as amended),
• The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted in New York on 13 December 2006 (Journal of Laws 2012, item 1169, as amended),
• The Act of 19 August 1994 on Mental Health Protection (Journal of Laws 2024, item 917),
• The Act of 27 August 1997 on Vocational and Social Rehabilitation and Employment of Disabled Persons (Journal of Laws 2024, item 44, as amended),
• The Act of 12 March 2004 on Social Assistance (Journal of Laws 2024, item 1283, as amended),
• The Act of 19 July 2019 on the Provision of Social Services by Social Services Centres (Journal of Laws 2019, item 1818).

In light of the legal analyses, the support circle model is considered a comprehensive social service aimed at organizing a permanent and personalized support system for individuals with intellectual disabilities—both in formal (professionals) and informal (family, neighbours, volunteers) dimensions. The support circle service fulfils the constitutional obligation of the state to support individuals with disabilities (Article 69 of the Polish Constitution) and is fully supported by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (ratified by Poland in 2012). It specifically aligns with provisions concerning the right to independent living and social inclusion (Article 19 of the Convention) and the right to respect for family life, education, employment, and support in the local community.

Placing the actions of support circles within the context of SSCs, it should be noted that according to the definition in Article 2 of the Act of 19 July 2019, on the Provision of Social Services by Social Services Centres (the so-called SSC Act), it is an immaterial action focused on directly supporting an individual to meet the needs of an individual or social group. This model meets all statutory criteria applicable to social services, including (1) achieving goals in the area of supporting individuals with disabilities, social reintegration, and civic activity; (2) being based on actions resulting from laws such as the Social Assistance Act, the Mental Health Protection Act, the Vocational and Social Rehabilitation and Employment Act, and the Public Health Act; (3) being incorporated into the local Social Services Program, adopted as a local legal act.

As a new type of organizational unit within a municipality, the SSC has a statutory competence to initiate, implement, and coordinate social services, including innovative forms of support. Under Article 7(1) of the SSC Act, the centre may act as a program implementer, and services may be provided by: SSC employees, other organizational units of the municipality, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or entities selected through public procurement procedures. This means that the implementation of support circles can be entrusted to NGOs, carried out in a hybrid model, or conducted independently by SSCs—in line with the principles of subsidiarity and efficiency.

According to the SSC Act, the legal feasibility of the support circle model requires: (1) a needs and potential assessment of the local community conducted by the SSC; (2) inclusion of the service in the local Social Services Program, adopted by the municipal council; (3) securing financing (from local resources, public funds, or partnerships); (4) selecting the appropriate form of implementation: independently by SSC or through an external partner. As part of this procedure, the SSC is obliged to monitor, qualify participants, create individualized support plans, and evaluate the results of the service.

In conclusion, the support circle model is fully legally feasible as a social service within the meaning of Polish law, provided that the formal requirements of the local implementation procedure are met. The current regulations—both statutory and those derived from strategic documents (such as the Strategy for Persons with Disabilities 2021–2030)—not only allow but actually recommend the implementation of this model, especially in the context of deinstitutionalization and the development of local community-based support systems.

4.2. Financial (Cost) Analysis

As part of the cost analysis, the focus was placed on a comprehensive analysis of the costs and methods of financing the implementation of the support circle service in the following dimensions, presented in the Scheme 2.

The analysis covered all costs of service implementation (personnel, material) that enabled its optimal and rational realization. Below are the results of the cost analysis, broken down into the categories presented in the diagram above.

4.2.1. Preparation Period Costs—Investment in Quality and Sustainability

The costs of implementing the service during the preparatory phase (including training, mentoring and support for employees, promotional costs, salaries, initial meetings with potential participants and their families) are a necessary investment enabling the creation of a sustainable and competent support system. The analysis shows that the cost of preparing one participant for support varies depending on the model and local conditions.

In the SSC in Goleniów, the real costs of the preparatory phase range from PLN 13,060 to PLN 19,190 per participant per year, which translates to monthly costs of PLN 1088 to PLN 1600 depending on the implementation option. Goleniów has already completed the employee preparation stage, making it a good example of an organization with an experienced and trained staff.

For the SSC in Milanówek, however, the costs of the preparatory phase are higher. The higher estimates result from a larger number of employees involved in the training process, which amounts to PLN 4698 per participant per month. Currently, in Milanówek, the preparatory phase lasts for 6 months, for which the costs have been calculated. After the preparatory phase is completed, the average monthly costs may decrease, most likely due to the higher intensity of costs in the first months of the preparatory phase. Effective preparation of staff, infrastructure, and the social environment significantly impacts the later quality, stability, and acceptance of the service in the local community. The example of Milanówek is a good illustration of how costs evolve for organizations with less experience that are starting the implementation of the support circles service from scratch.

4.2.2. Comparison of Options for the Implementation of the Circles of Support Service

The model of circles of support, which is an individualized form of community-based support for people with disabilities, can be implemented in three basic organizational options. The choice of option depends on local institutional conditions, availability of staff, and the maturity of the social sector. The differences relate not only to the organization of implementation but also to the level of institutional control, service stability, and cost-effectiveness.

The first model analysed—option A—involves fully outsourcing the implementation of the service to a non-governmental organization. In this case, the SSC only acts as the commissioner and supervisor, without operational involvement in building and managing the support circles. This option allows for quick implementation of the service, especially in situations where there are no internal organizational or staffing resources. However, it also comes with limited oversight of the quality of actions and the risk of service interruption once external funding ends. The annual cost per participant in this option is approximately PLN 9900 (with 10 h of support per month allocated for meetings with the participant and for building circles (community-based activities)), but when accounting for the full hourly demand (20 h of support per month), it can increase to PLN 17,100.

The second model—option B—is a hybrid solution, where the service is provided simultaneously by SSC employees and a non-governmental organization. This allows for flexible combination of competencies, better use of local resources, and development of cross-sectoral cooperation. However, this model requires clear rules for role division, standardization of activities, and an effective coordination mechanism. The annual cost of the service in this model is PLN 10,377 per participant and remains favourable in terms of the quality and sustainability of the support provided.

Option C involves the full implementation of the service by the SSC. This model ensures the highest level of institutional control over the quality and coherence of the support circles with the local social services strategy. It also contributes to their sustainability after the completion of projects funded from external sources. However, it requires appropriately prepared staff and stable organizational resources. The annual cost of the service in this case is PLN 10,594 per participant.

A detailed comparison of the options is presented in the

Table 1. Comparison of three options for implementing the circle of support service.

Option	Annual Cost per Participant 1	Characteristics	Advantages	Disadvantages
A—implementation by NGOs	PLN 9900 (at 10 h/month), up to PLN 17,100 (at 20 h/month)	Service completely outsourced to an external entity (NGO)	Relieve the burden on SSC staff; Rapid implementation in the absence of in-house resources	Less control over quality; Risk of interruption after funding ends
B—mixed model (SSC + NGO)	PLN 10,377	Shared implementation between SSCs and NGOs	Flexibility; Competency development of SSCs and NGOs; Cost effectiveness	Requires good coordination; Needs trust and clear division of roles
C—implementation by SSCs	PLN 10,594	Service entirely provided by SSCs	Full control over quality; Durability after project completion	High staffing requirements; Risk of overloading employees

¹ EUR 1 = PLN 4.25 (approximately) in April 2025. Source: own elaboration.

.

All three options of implementing the support circles are legally permissible and comparable in terms of unit costs, which range from approximately PLN 10,000 to 10,600 per year per participant. In terms of costs, the differences between the three models are relatively small, with a maximum variation of approximately PLN 700 per participant annually. This cost convergence indicates that the choice of model can be guided primarily by organizational capacity and local context, without significant financial barriers to scaling up the service nationwide.

The choice of a specific solution should be based on an analysis of local resources, the level of institutional development, and community expectations. The hybrid model (option B) can be considered the most flexible and sustainable, while option C guarantees the highest stability and integration with local social policy. On the other hand, option A works well in situations where the local government lacks appropriate staffing and organizational resources but a social partner can provide the necessary service standard.

As part of the cost analysis, an economic efficiency analysis of the support circles model was also conducted through a basic simulation of the costs of not implementing the model. From the perspective of social policy, abandoning the implementation of the support circles model generates significantly higher costs in the long term. The cost of supporting a person with intellectual disabilities in Polish society is approximately PLN 53,000 per year, which is more than five times higher than in the support circles. Considering the entire lifespan of a person with intellectual disabilities, the cost difference could exceed PLN 1 million per person, assuming that at the time of the death of the parents/caregivers (on average around the age of 49), it is the turning point when the circles begin to operate or the person is placed in a social care home.

The financial analysis also identified potential financial risks. The first is dependence on subsidies. The main source of revenue is public grants and subsidies, which carry the risk of reduction in the following years. The second category of risk relates to the underutilization of participant potential. There may be low interest in the service in the early stages of implementation due to unfamiliarity with the topic of support circles. This requires intensive promotional and educational activities. The last key risk concerns the increase in operational costs. Expenses such as salary increases or increased demand for transportation may lead to higher operational costs.

In conclusion, the support circles model is financially feasible and has significant social potential. Proper cost management and diversified funding sources can ensure long-term sustainability and expansion of activities.

4.3. Staff Preparation

The issues related to the preparation of the staff of social welfare institutions for implementing the support circles model and—more broadly—working in the area of disability were one of the key areas explored during the quantitative research phase with SACs and SSCs.

In total, 37% of representatives from the surveyed units declare having a staff of specialists qualified in the area of support for individuals with at least one type of disability. In this context, the most frequently mentioned groups were people with mental health issues, followed by those with physical and intellectual disabilities, and then individuals with other types of disabilities (see Figure 1)

It is evident that SSCs are significantly more likely to have personnel with appropriate qualifications in this area (67%) compared to SACs (36%). The “+” and “-” symbols on the chart above indicate statistically significant differences (respectively – positive or negative) at a 95% confidence level. It is also worth noting that having a staff of specialists qualified in the area of disabilities is most commonly declared by representatives of SACs in cities with county rights (77%) and urban/rural municipalities (49%), while the least common are those representing SACs or SSCs in rural municipalities (27%).

In the context of the potential spread of the circles of support model, it is worth mentioning that 12% of representatives from the surveyed entities have heard of the solution and remember what it entails. Once again, those representing SSCs (42%) are significantly more likely to know about it compared to the managerial staff of SACs (11%). Additionally, 8% of respondents declare having implemented or having specific plans for implementing this model—those representing SSCs (32%) are much more likely to do so compared to the managerial staff of SACs (8%).

One in five participants of the study declares having the resources necessary to implement the circles of support model, which shows the scale of challenges in the social assistance sector in terms of implementing similar solutions for people with disabilities. This (subjective) belief is expressed significantly more often by representatives of SSCs (46%) compared to those representing SACs (20%). In terms of the type of local government unit, SACs in rural municipalities stand out, where the managerial staff is the least convinced of having sufficient resources (16%).

As key challenges associated with implementing the circles of support model, the respondents identified primarily insufficient financial resources (90%) and lack of appropriate human resources, i.e., specialists (88%), as well as, to a lesser extent, the need for investments related to adapting infrastructure or spaces to the needs of people with disabilities (69%). The following challenges were related to access to knowledge and familiarity with so-called “best practices.” Issues related to the lack of prepared specialist staff are interpreted as challenges more often by representatives of SAC (88%) compared to the managerial staff of SSCs (72%). The same observation can be made regarding issues related to ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities (SAC staff—70%, SSC staff—50%). Once again, representatives from SACs in rural municipalities stand out as recognizing the most challenges or barriers in implementing the circles of support model.

5. Discussion and Conclusions

The paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing one of the first comprehensive feasibility studies of implementing circles of support within public sector of social services in Poland. It bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical research by applying action research methodology, combining legal, financial, and organizational analyses with large-scale survey data. The study offers valuable insights into the operationalization of person-centred, community-based support systems in the context of systemic deinstitutionalization, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. Furthermore, by situating the Polish experience in a comparative international perspective, it enriches the global discourse on sustainable, inclusive welfare models for persons with disabilities.

In particular, the findings of this study contribute to the growing international evidence on the role of community-based support models in promoting the autonomy and social inclusion of persons with disabilities. The Polish adaptation of circles of support demonstrates that this individualized, person-centred approach can be successfully embedded within public sector of social services, while also leveraging partnerships with civil society organizations. This hybrid model reflects broader European deinstitutionalization trends, which seek to move away from residential care and strengthen local, integrated forms of support [25,26]. The circles of support have the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by increasing their independence and social integration. Despite some implementation barriers, their effectiveness in promoting autonomy and social support is promising [27,28]. Further research could help optimize these programs and better understand their impact.

Circles of support are not only a social service but also a form of social capital—they build the resilience of local communities, support deinstitutionalization processes, and improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. A well-designed model is scalable, flexible, and adaptable to different local contexts. The reference cost for supporting one participant per year in Poland should be set at PLN 10,000—this value covers necessary individual and group activities, as well as environmental actions. Options B (mixed) and C (independent service delivery) can form the basis for building sustainable local social service systems, particularly in the context of the planned transformation of sheltered housing environments into independent living centres. It is essential to ensure long-term funding, integrate social activities with health services, and build the competencies of local institutions. When implementing circles, it is worth considering additional revenue sources, such as cooperation with local businesses or crowdfunding. It is also important to seek partnerships with local organizations to reduce costs for renting premises or transportation, increase volunteer involvement, and promote social campaigns. These findings align with broader international debates on the governance of personalized services, which emphasize the interplay between choice, institutional design, and collective responsibility in welfare systems [29,30].

In Poland, circles of support are being developed as an innovative form of community-based assistance for persons with disabilities, particularly within SSCs. This model of circles of support for persons with disabilities integrates formal support systems with informal networks such as families, neighbours, and volunteers. Our research indicates that it aligns with deinstitutionalization policies as an important pillar and demonstrates significant cost-effectiveness. However, challenges remain, notably financial and staffing constraints, particularly in rural areas.

The Polish model of implementation of circles of support is similar to the Dutch model (described in the conceptual framework section). Comparatively, the Polish and Dutch models exhibit greater formalization within public policies and service structures, whereas the Swedish model is more flexible, also in terms of greater financial autonomy of the beneficiaries, and works without formal branding of “circles of support”. All three models emphasize the critical role of local community engagement, albeit to varying degrees of formalization. These international comparisons underscore the importance of ensuring flexibility, sustainability, and empowerment within circles of support programs in Poland, especially during the upcoming scaling efforts planned for 2025–2029.

Nevertheless, several barriers to large-scale implementation persist. These include significant human resource shortages in smaller municipalities, dependence on project-based or short-term financing, and limited public awareness about circles of support as a service model. Addressing these barriers will require both national policy leadership and local capacity-building efforts, including staff training, public education campaigns, and expanded opportunities for multi-stakeholder cooperation. Moreover, the findings suggest that integration with adjacent sectors—notably healthcare, housing, and employment—will be critical to ensure that circles of support function as part of comprehensive, person-centred welfare ecosystems [31,32].

While the study provides a comprehensive feasibility analysis of implementing circles of support in Poland, several limitations must be acknowledged. First, the analysis primarily focuses on two case studies of SSCs, which despite offering valuable insights, may not fully capture the diversity of local contexts across the country. Differences in municipality size, resource availability, and community engagement could significantly influence the scalability and effectiveness of the model. Second, the financial analysis, although detailed, relies partly on estimated costs and self-reported data from SSC staff, which might not fully reflect long-term expenses or unexpected implementation challenges. Third, the nationwide survey of SAC and SSC management staff assesses subjective perceptions of readiness, which may not correspond precisely to actual institutional capacities. Finally, the study does not include perspectives from persons with disabilities or their families, whose experiences could provide critical insights into the effectiveness and responsiveness of circles of support. Future research should address these limitations by including longitudinal case studies, a broader range of municipalities, and direct qualitative evaluations from service users and their families.