Social policies traditionally are organized at the national level, hence the term ‘welfare state’. However, in various European countries a trend towards devolution of responsibilities and authorities for social policies to local governments can be witnessed. This devolution often involves more than only transferring authorities and responsibilities. It also involves the integration of curative and preventive health care, social work and voluntary social support on the clients’ level. Therefore, it has a large impact on the activities of service-delivering professionals, local government organizations and their managers, and on the local community itself.