THE SYSTEM OF PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN UKRAINE: CURRENT STATE

Abstract

The article analyzes the current state of the system of provision of social services in Ukraine, namely the system of providing social services in Ukraine and the mechanisms of financing social services. The essence of the concept of "social services" is summarized. In particular, it is stated that these are the measures to help individuals/families who find themselves in difficult life circumstances and cannot overcome life’s difficulties on their own. The need to reform the system of providing social services in Ukraine is outlined, which is determined by today’s needs, especially the current difficult conditions for Ukraine. The author outlines that social services are divided into: social prevention – to prevent the occurrence of difficult life circumstances and/or falling into such circumstances of a person/family; social support – to help a person/family overcome difficult life circumstances; social service – to minimize the negative consequences of difficult life circumstances for a person/family, to support and help integrate them into a community. Material assistance and social services are the main forms of social services provision. Social service can be received permanently, periodically or temporarily, depending on the situation. At the same time, social services are provided: at the person’s place of residence (at home); in stationary residential institutions and institutions; in rehabilitation institutions and organizations; institutions and day care facilities; in institutions and establishments for temporary or permanent stay; in territorial centers for the provision of social services; in other institutions of social support (care). In order to successfully reform the system of provision of social services in Ukraine, a number of measures have been proposed, in particular: to introduce preventive mechanisms for solving difficult life circumstances; ensure availability and quality of social services for all recipients of services in the community; improve the system of administration, monitoring and evaluation of the quality of social services; constantly work on the modernization of the infrastructure of the social sphere; expand the list of social services provided at the place of residence; improve the indicators or work activity of social work subjects; expand, improve and develop the quality of social services.