SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN IN THE ACTIVITIES OF FAMILY CENTERS: CURRENT STATE

Abstract

The article analyzes the current state of social support for families with children in the activities of family centers. The relevance of the study is determined by the growing need for professional social support for families, especially under the conditions of the full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. The paper provides a theoretical analysis of the concept of «social support» in the context of social work and examines various scientific approaches to its interpretation. The views of Ukrainian scholars are summarized, defining social support as a system of state measures, professional actions, and services aimed at ensuring proper living conditions for individuals and families in difficult life circumstances. Based on the analysis of international experience, the functioning of family support centers in different countries is characterized. The activities of the Kyiv City Family Center «Rodynnyi Dim» are considered, including the legal framework of its operation, its mission, main tasks, and key areas of work. A statistical analysis of the dynamics of the Center’s activities for the period from 2022 to the first half of 2025 is presented. A stable positive trend is revealed in both the number of persons covered (from 15318 in 2022 to 23166 in 2024) and the volume of services provided (from 21141 to 35894, respectively). The article summarizes the key features of the effective functioning of family centers: a comprehensive approach, preventive orientation, use of modern methods, emphasis on group forms of work, a well-developed partnership network, and adaptability to community needs. The paper identifies promising directions for the development of such institutions, including the expansion of mobile forms of work, the implementation of digital technologies, strengthening intersectoral cooperation, and the creation of a system for monitoring and evaluating effectiveness. The study proves that family centers are an essential element of social infrastructure, especially under crisis conditions; their activities contribute to strengthening the family institution, fostering a culture of responsible parenthood, and ensuring the psychological wellbeing of all family members.