Features of social work with IDPs in Social Service Centers in Ukraine

Abstract

The article examines the features of social work with internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Social Service Centers. Based on the analysis of scientific publications, the authors concluded that despite active research over the past decade on the topic of social work with IDPs, the features of its implementation in the system of state social services, in particular in Social Service Centers (CNSPs), have not been sufficiently covered by Ukrainian scientists. The authors concluded that the main areas of social work of IDP specialists in the Social Service Centers in Ukraine are social support, psychosocial support, legal assistance, economic integration, humanitarian assistance, educational and cultural activities. In their work with IDPs, IDP specialists rely on classical methods of individual and group social work, as well as on the method of working in the community. These methods are implemented through such widely used forms of work as counseling, trainings, support groups, psychoeducational classes, educational campaigns, social actions, integration activities, volunteer projects, etc. Social technologies used in CNSPs in working with IDPs: social support (case management), crisis and emergency intervention, psychosocial support, social integration and community building, economic reintegration and employment, as well as art technologies are of a comprehensive, anti-crisis, adaptive and integrative nature. They are aimed at overcoming the crisis, rapid stabilization, restoration of control over life and full inclusion of IDPs in the new community. The most effective are those models that combine material, psychological and social support with active community involvement. In general, CNSPs act as an important hub of social support for IDPs, and the variety of forms and methods of work allows for comprehensive satisfaction of IDPs' needs. At the same time, at the practical level, it is still necessary to strengthen personnel training, financial capacity of CNSPs and improve mechanisms for monitoring the effectiveness of their activities.