Poverty and social exclusion are complex phenomena, which depend on many factors. They are linked to the lack of income, but also to access to opportunities and participation in the economic and social life of the country, to the system of relations in which individuals are embedded and to the set of constraints and opportunities – economic, social and cultural – present in the context of their life. Therefore, national policies for social inclusion are characterised by a wide range of different initiatives, interventions and tools.

In Italy, anti-poverty and social exclusion interventions are promoted and carried out by different institutional actors at the national, regional and local levels. In addition, the third sector supports public institutions in the implementation of social policies and acts as a local mediator.

Social inclusion policies specifically targeting young people aim to reduce school drop-out, improve access to the labour market and reduce social inequalities, seeking to improve the living conditions of individuals and families who are below the absolute poverty line.

Within this framework, the main strategic and programming tool is the National Plan for Social Interventions and Social Services (Piano nazionale degli interventi e dei servizi sociali) 2024‑2026, adopted on April 2nd, 2025. It is a three‑year national programming instrument which defines priorities, guidelines and modalities for the use of resources in order to guarantee essential and good‑quality social services throughout the country, and to support the implementation of the Essential Levels of Social Services (LEPS).