PROSPECTS FOR INVOLVING NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN SOCIAL WORK WITH YOUTH IN UKRAINE

Abstract

An analysis of the potential for engaging participants from the public sector in addressing youth issues through social work in Ukraine is presented. The aim of our research was to investigate the prospects of utilizing non-governmental organizations for social work with youth in Ukraine and its regions. Methodology. A systematic approach was used for conducting the research, allowing us to see the state of development of the youth social work system in the public sector in our country. For a detailed immersion into the prospects of involving these organizations in addressing youth social issues, comparative analysis, document analysis, and database analysis were employed. The current regulatory framework regarding the functioning of non- governmental organizations in our country was examined, as well as the existing potential for improving youth livelihoods at the community and educational levels. Two promising areas of social work in this sphere were identified: the dissemination of ideas related to social and physical health within the youth environment; and promoting youth adaptation through self- organization, restoring intergenerational dialogue, and active participation in the socio-political life of the country. The co-authors of the research oppose blind copying of foreign experiences, but if they can fill gaps in the national social sphere, they should be considered. Germany’s experience in combating destructive types of youth addiction indicates the need for the participation of scouting and religious organizations to increase the effectiveness of social work in this area. Ukraine has a rich experience of youth scouting organizations that should be extrapolated to each region of our country. Conclusions. The research findings revealed a discrepancy between the activities of non-governmental organizations and the urgent problems faced by youth. To address this problem, it is proposed to create participatory youth centers that would provide resource autonomy, facilitate intergenerational dialogue, and conduct preventive and informational social work.