EXPERT ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of expert assessment of social services in the community, taking into account European requirements. Based on content analysis, comparison, systematisation and generalisation of scientific works on this issue, as well as national and international documents regulating the assessment of social service quality, it has been proven that in the context of Ukraine’s European integration course, expert assessment of social service quality in line with the requirements of the European Quality Framework for Social Services is of particular importance. It has been established that expert assessment of social services in communities is a strategic tool for the development of social work, as it combines monitoring of compliance with standards with the building of trust between users and service providers. Internal evaluation promotes self-reflection and process improvement, while external evaluation ensures objectivity and transparency of results. The use of clear criteria allows communities not only to identify weaknesses in the system, but also to develop effective social policy strategies. There is a clear need to develop appropriate methodological tools (definition of quality standards, development of evaluation criteria, monitoring and data collection tools) to help public authorities and service providers identify, measure and evaluate the quality of social services in different contexts. It has been established that expert evaluation is a guarantee of improving service quality, developing partnerships and involving the public in control and participation processes. Prospects for further research have been outlined through the study of the impact of expert evaluation results on decision-making at local and national levels, which will enable the formation of more transparent and community-oriented strategies