Developing social services in communities is the way to respond to present-day challenges, says Tetiana Kiriienko

The full-scale invasion has only reinforced the need to develop social services in communities. It is the effective work of social workers and the availability of a wide range of services that makes it possible to support people who are most in need or who find themselves in difficult life situations at a moment when a crisis is imminent. Or, rather, services become a source of support and help people overcome difficulties.

This was stated by Tetiana Kiriienko, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity, during the National Forum of Social Service Providers “Caring Communities.” The event brought together representatives of the state, communities, civil society organizations, and social service providers from across the country to talk openly about how the social protection system works today and what needs to be changed to better meet people's needs. The event was organized by the CrimeaSOS NGO in partnership with the Charity Foundation "Stabilization Support Services" and with the support of the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine (UNHCR).

"The topic of this forum is extremely important. It is about how communities should care for their citizens: those who have relocated, those who are hosting them, and those who need constant support. For us, social policy is about dignity, the human right to choose and live a full life," emphasized Tetiana Kiriienko, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine.

According to her, the state is currently working on building a unified, easy-to-understand system for supporting IDPs—from evacuation to integration into the community. One of the tools for this will be a digital platform, as well as the standardization of social services at all stages of displacement. At the same time, the state recognizes the key role of civil society organizations and social service providers in this system.

“Our task is to build a system where it is clear at each stage who is responsible for what, and where social services work as a single route for a person, rather than a set of disparate solutions,” said Tetiana Kiriienko.

During the two-day forum, participants will share their experiences and practices, take part in professional discussions, talk about challenges and achievements in social work, and learn new stuff and tools for further developing social services in the community.