Discussion on social service reforms in Ukraine

In the face of significant challenges caused by the full-scale war, internal displacement of Ukrainians, economic and demographic changes, Ukraine needs a renewed, effective, flexible system of social services that puts people at its core. 

Yesterday, a discussion on social service reforms in Ukraine was held, initiated by the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine. According to Ms Oksana Zholnovych, the Ministry of Social Policy proposes to introduce a three-level system of social services:

Level 1: community managers who coordinate social support
Level 2: building resilience and organising volunteering as a basic service that ensures equality in the community and provides sectors for support and assistance
Level 3: four areas of services — supported living, assistance to families with children, restoration of functionality and crisis assistance/

During the discussion, I drew attention of the attendees to the issue of housing for displaced persons. Nearly 5 million people in the country have lost their homes, and they are all waiting for social support and respectful treatment. That is why, together with the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories, we are designing a pilot project to build social housing for IDPs from Mariupol. However, globally, this issue requires a systematic state approach, as displaced persons are currently one of the most vulnerable population groups. I am confident that affordable and decent housing should become one of the key tools for social support and an important factor in stabilising the economy.

Thank you, Minister, for your openness to new solutions and community participation in shaping social policy.