Health and Social Affairs Minister Christophe Robino joined staff at Monaco’s Direction de l’Action et de l’Aide Sociales Thursday morning to mark the department’s 10th anniversary, revealing the scale of social support provided across the Principality.
The department, which employs 180 staff across 15 professions with an annual budget of €51.4 million, handles around 3,500 cases each year through its Social Protection Office alone.
Speaking at the celebration at the new Honore II premises, Robino revealed the range of services provided since the department’s creation, including support for 500 minors and adults with disabilities, 250 child protection cases annually, and 1,500 people in professional integration programmes.
“I want, above all this morning to salute the women and men who work within the DASO,” Mr. Robino said. “It is thanks to you, thanks to your commitment, thanks to your humanity, that the Prince’s Government can support these thousands of people.”
The Princess Charlene Children’s Home welcomes between 20 and 25 children each year, while the department has introduced significant new benefits including minimum income support, autonomy assistance, and subsidiary medical coverage.
Director Marie Thouvenin-Rapaire, addressing colleagues and partners, explained that behind every case, every file, lies a human story. “Behind each file, each procedure, each decision, there is a story, an expectation, sometimes a worry,” she said. “And our role, collectively, is to find that delicate balance between administrative rigour, fairness, and attention to the person.”
However, she also acknowledged the challenges ahead, describing increasing complex situations, and told staff: “Our work requires technical skill, but also personal commitment, discretion, and often great inner strength. As director and former social worker, I know what that represents. I see your investment. I measure your professionalism. And I want to tell you today: thank you.”
Government Disability Delegate – Technical Adviser Lionel Galfré was also present in the celebrations, showing his appreciation for the department’s instrumental role in implementing Monaco’s handipact strategy, as well as its continuous development of specialist services, including a specialised educational centre for children with disabilities.
The minister’s visit was then followed by a public open day running until 5pm, with staff celebrating the milestone with anniversary cake and drinks.
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Main photo credit: Monaco Life