Assessment of the needs of internally displaced persons in Ukraine: ethical aspect.

Abstract

The article deals with the process of assessing the needs of internally displaced persons in Ukraine with a focus on the ethical principles and methodology of the procedure when providing services by social work professionals. Needs assessment of social service recipients is one of the key technologies in the social work system.  Needs assessment is the process of collecting, summarizing and analyzing information about the condition and life circumstances of the target and determining the required scope of social services. The purpose of the assessment is to determine a holistic picture of the life situation and the necessary professional procedures that have an impact on the process of overcoming difficult life circumstances. This is an important initial stage for providing quality social services and developing effective approaches to social work.

The needs assessment and ethical principles of the relevant procedure have a profound impact on the process of further interaction between the social worker and the service recipient and the establishment of contact. Unfortunately, there are many cases of violation of professional ethics and lack of understanding of the psychological state of internally displaced persons in Ukraine in the government-controlled territories. Today, social work with this vulnerable group of people requires a more thorough approach to ethical norms and standards. Such an approach will ensure favorable conditions for interaction between a social work specialist and a service recipient in the process of providing social services, counseling, social support, etc. Taking into account the previous experience of traumatization of internally displaced persons and applying an appropriate trauma-sensitive approach in the provision of social services, especially in professional communication, creates an atmosphere of friendliness, openness, understanding of the peculiarities of the individual approach and ensures the principle of humanism, equality, social justice.