Keywords
social services
legislation
subordinate legislation
state
How to Cite
Abstract
The study examines the current state of the legal framework governing the functioning of the social services delivery system in Ukraine within the context of transformative processes in state social policy and decentralization. Key legislative acts regulating the sphere of social services are identified, including the Constitution of Ukraine, the Law of Ukraine “On Social Services,” a range of Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine resolutions, ministerial normative acts, and Ukraine's international obligations in the field of social protection. The content of core provisions aimed at ensuring citizens' rights to social support, expanding access for vulnerable population groups to essential services, and establishing mechanisms for collaboration between state and non-state providers is analyzed. It is demonstrated that, despite the existence of a comprehensive legislative foundation, the legal framework requires further refinement due to frequent duplication among existing acts, internal contradictions, and failure to address contemporary socio-economic challenges. It is argued that enhancing the effectiveness of the social services system necessitates harmonization with European standards, strengthened oversight of the quality and impact of service provision, and the introduction of effective state and local funding mechanisms. Promising directions for the development of legislative regulation are outlined, including the consolidation of existing acts into a unified normative framework, the implementation of electronic registries for recipients and providers, the establishment of an independent monitoring and evaluation system, and the improvement of training and professional development for social workers. The study concludes that the development of a coherent and balanced legal framework in the field of social services is a prerequisite for realizing citizens’ rights, enhancing the efficiency of state social policy, and facilitating Ukraine's integration into the European legal space. Specific recommendations are proposed to improve the quality, accessibility, and transparency of social service provision, which are critical for social stability and community development.
References
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