social service

American  

noun

1. organized welfare efforts carried on under professional auspices by trained personnel.

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Other Word Forms

• social-service adjective

Etymology

Origin of social service

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The British Association of Social Workers said the social work sector is "under considerable strain", with the highest level of referrals to children's social services in a decade and a depleted workforce.

From BBC

Now Keira is one of many Greenlandic families living on the Danish mainland who are fighting to get their children returned to them after they were removed by social services.

From BBC

Once social services offered by PATH, or People Assisting The Homeless, are included, the monthly room cost exceeds $7,000.

From Los Angeles Times

In many Chicago neighborhoods, a robust response from volunteers, churches and nonprofit organizations has helped migrant families find temporary apartments, clothing, and social services.

From New York Times

These community health workers are partly funded by the local authority and partly by the NHS so they can co-ordinate between the local GP surgery and other social services.

From BBC