Social counseling provided by the Integration Counseling Center, z. ú., is offered as part of the registered social service Specialized Social Counseling under Act No. 108/2006 Coll., on Social Services.
Target group: Social counseling is available to all foreigners legally residing in the Czech Republic, regardless of age.
Mission of the service: The mission of the Specialized Social Counseling service is to advocate for the rights of foreigners. It offers assistance, support, and information needed to navigate situations that are challenging due to language barriers or cultural differences, which can worsen their social situation or increase the risk of social exclusion.
Goals of the service:
- Help foreigners overcome obstacles and difficulties related to adapting to a new environment.
- Assist foreigners in understanding the social context, structures, and institutions.
- Provide information on the rights and obligations of foreigners in the Czech Republic.
- Inform about the social, legal, healthcare, and educational systems in the Czech Republic.
- Strengthen foreigners’ ability to handle personal matters and thereby prevent social exclusion.
How does the collaboration work?
At the first meeting, you will receive information about the organization and the services offered, including the content, objectives, and conditions under which the service is provided. We work individually with every client.
- If you belong to the target group, you decide whether or not to use the service. It can be accessed based on a verbal or written agreement or even anonymously. During the meeting, the staff will assess your needs, determine how they can help, and clarify your expectations. Every situation is solvable, especially if addressed promptly!
- If you do not belong to the target group, the staff will provide you with contacts to relevant organizations that can assist you in your situation.
What can we offer within social counseling?
- Information about the rights and obligations of foreigners in the Czech Republic and assistance in exercising those rights and interests:
- Learn about your rights and responsibilities, such as carrying identification documents, reporting changes, your healthcare rights, and the obligation for children under 15 to attend compulsory education, among others.
- Assistance in restoring or strengthening contact with natural social environments and integrating into communities:
- Learn how to meet fellow countrymen or participate in various activities.
- Support in processing residence permits:
- Learn which type of residence permit you can apply for, the required documents, and how to submit your application to the Ministry of the Interior.
- Consultations and basic help with psychosocial challenges:
- Initial support is available for psychosocial difficulties, and we can connect you with relevant specialists (crisis hotlines, social services, psychotherapists, psychologists).
- Information about the social security system in the Czech Republic:
- Learn under what conditions you must contribute to health and social insurance systems, and when you can access state social support or material need benefits.
- Assistance in applying for social benefits and services:
- Find out which benefits you may qualify for, how to apply for them, and get help preparing necessary documents. We can also facilitate communication with the relevant institutions (e.g., housing allowances, parental benefits, or emergency financial assistance).
- Support in obtaining documents and personal identification numbers.
- Assistance in addressing critical personal matters to stabilize your situation and ensure your rights:
- If you’re in a difficult life situation or unsure how to resolve it, we’ll provide guidance, direct you, and support you in finding a solution. If needed, we’ll recommend other specialists.
- Support in handling daily matters:
- Learn how and where to purchase public transportation tickets, set up home internet, or communicate effectively in Czech society. We can assist you with learning the Czech language and understanding both formal and informal expectations in communication. You can ask us about any uncertainties or questions you might have.
- Accompaniment and professional support in communication with state or local authorities and institutions:
- We’ll assist in your interactions with schools, labor offices, health insurance companies, municipal authorities, and more.
- Advice and help with writing applications, appeals, or filling out forms:
- If you’ve received a decision from the Ministry of the Interior, the Czech Social Security Administration, the Labor Office, or other institutions and don’t understand or agree with it, we’ll help you interpret it, verify the institution’s procedure, and prepare an appeal if necessary. We can also help you fill out forms.
- Assistance in finding suitable housing and solving related issues:
- We can help you find accommodation, communicate with landlords, and review rental agreements. If you’re struggling to pay rent, we’ll advise you on options for financial assistance (social benefits, charities, etc.).
- Assistance in job searches and basic information about professional opportunities and business conditions:
- We’ll explain the Czech labor market, business regulations, and assist with cooperation with the Labor Office, finding job offers, contacting employers, and writing resumes. We can even practice job interviews with you and offer tips on how to succeed.
- Advice on labor law issues, unemployment registration, and unemployment benefits:
- We’ll explain employment contracts, rights, and obligations, and whether registering with the Labor Office or accessing unemployment benefits/retraining is beneficial for you.
- Support in obtaining health insurance and healthcare:
- We’ll advise on eligibility for public/commercial health insurance, help you find a doctor, and assist with communication during medical visits.
- Assistance with recognition of professional qualifications (nostrification):
- If you’ve completed your studies abroad and want to have your qualifications recognized, we’ll explain the process, help fill out the application, and guide you to the appropriate institution or university. We’ll also advise on preparing for qualification exams and whether they apply to your case.
- Referrals to follow-up services:
- If your inquiry falls outside our scope, we’ll provide contacts for appropriate services, such as shelters, crisis centers, nursing homes, and more.
Do you not speak Czech? No problem.
If you don’t share a language with our staff, you can use intercultural assistants or external interpreters, who will provide interpretation services in your language. Our staff can help you find a suitable interpreter.
Contact Information – Praha:
| Bc. Bogdan Zavrazhyn Social worker |
Phone no.: +420 734 154 229 E-mail: bogdan.zavrazhyn@p-p-i.cz |
| Bc. Ekaterina Kuliková Social worker |
Phone no.: +420 603 807 567 E-mail: ekaterina.kulikova@p-p-i.cz |
| Bc. Veronika Pernikářová Social worker |
Phone no.: +420 605 372 805 E-mail: veronika.pernikarova@p-p-i.cz |
| Mgr. David Krotil Lawyer |
Phone no.: +420 730 872 720 E-mail: david.krotil@p-p-i.cz |
| Mgr. Jana Peterová Lawyer |
Phone no.: +420 730 150 828 E-mail: jana.peterova@p-p-i.cz |
| Mgr. Tereza Vojtíková Lawyer |
E-mail: tereza.vojtikova@p-p-i.cz |
| Mgr. et. Mgr. Eliška Kysilková Lawyer |
Phone no.: +420 773 796 514 E-mail: eliska.kysilkova@p-p-i.cz |
Contact Information – Ústí nad Labem:
| Bc. Lucie Fraňková Head of social counselling service |
Phone no.: +420 778 492 786 E-mail: lucie.frankova@p-p-i.cz |
| Mgr. Adam Štika Social worker |
Phone no.: +420 778 970 592 E-mail: adam.stika@p-p-i.cz |
| Mgr. Iva Nálezová Social worker |
Phone no.: +420 732 827 155 E-mail: iva.nalezova@p-p-i.cz |
| Olha Bohdanova Social worker |
Phone no.: +420 731 175 833 E-mail: olha.bohdanova@p-p-i.cz |
| Bc. Hana Semerádová Expert worker |
Phone no.: +420 475 216 536 E-mail: hana.semeradova@p-p-i.cz |
| Mgr. Anna Klimešová Lawyer |
Phone no.: +420 730 157 348 E-mail: anna.klimesova@p-p-i.cz |
