TYPES OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND FEATURES OF THEIR PROVISION FOR VULNERABLE GROUPS OF THE POPULATION IN THE CONTEXT OF MILITARY ACTION

Abstract

The article explores the essence, structure, and classification of social services, as well as the specific features of their provision to vulnerable population groups under the conditions of military conflict in Ukraine. The authors emphasize that the ongoing war has caused profound social transformations, which have significantly affected the system of social protection and necessitated the adaptation of social support mechanisms to crisis circumstances. It is highlighted that during wartime, the number of people requiring assistance has sharply increased, including internally displaced persons, veterans, families of servicemen, persons with disabilities, children, and civilians affected by hostilities. The study systematizes the main types of social services defined in the “Classifier of Social Services” of the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, which include social protection, medical, educational, housing and communal, transport, and cultural and leisure services. Special attention is given to issues of accessibility, efficiency, and quality of social services in crisis conditions, as well as to the importance of interagency cooperation and partnerships between state institutions, non-governmental organizations, and international actors. The article stresses that war has shifted the priorities of social policy – the focus has moved toward emergency response, mobility of social workers, development of crisis management approaches, and strengthening of psychological and rehabilitation support for the population. The authors also underline the importance of professional training, cultural competence, communication skills, and crisis management abilities of social workers who provide assistance in challenging and unpredictable environments. The results of the research have practical significance for improving social protection mechanisms, optimizing the system of service provision during emergencies, and developing educational and professional training programs for social work specialists in post-war reconstruction.