Social support as a direction of activity of the social and humanitarian department of a military unit

Abstract

The article examines social support as one of the key areas of activity of the social and humanitarian department of a military unit. The relevance of this form of social assistance is substantiated in the context of martial law and the increased social vulnerability of servicemen and their families. It is established that social support is a form of social work that includes a set of measures: needs assessment, development of an individual assistance plan, situation monitoring, counseling, psychological support, assistance in obtaining benefits, help with household management and childcare, as well as training in social and everyday skills.

The focus of the study is an experimental project, launched in 2023, based on units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which introduces a contractual form of social support for servicemen and their families. The article analyzes the legal framework of the project, its organizational features, and mechanisms of interagency cooperation. Special attention is paid to the fact that the provision of social support services takes place both at the permanent locations of military units and in a mobile (outreach) format.

The article highlights the role of support services in assisting military personnel who have suffered injuries, illnesses, or losses, as well as in supporting the families of the deceased, missing, or captured. It is shown that the activities of such services cover the entire spectrum of social work — from informing about rights to accompanying during medical evaluations. Emphasis is placed on the importance of an individualized approach, regular monitoring, and active cooperation with government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and other institutions. The article summarizes scientific approaches to defining the content and functions of social support for military personnel and outlines the regulatory documents governing this activity.