THE EVOLUTION OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN UKRAINE: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND STRATEGIC VECTORS OF MODERNIZATION

Abstract

The article explores the evolution of the social services system in Ukraine in the context of ongoing socio-economic transformations, decentralization reform, and the shift towards European standards. The relevance of the study is grounded in the urgent need to modernize the fragmented and institutionally weak social service infrastructure to ensure its accessibility, transparency, and effectiveness amid growing demographic and economic challenges. The study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the historical stages of development, identify systemic problems, and propose strategic directions for further modernization. The research is based on qualitative methods, including content analysis of regulatory frameworks and scientific literature, as well as a SWOT analysis to systematically evaluate the internal and external factors influencing the system. Through this methodological approach, the study distinguishes five key stages in the evolution of social services in Ukraine: Soviet legacy period, post-Soviet legislative restructuring, decentralization reform, the legislative overhaul of 2019, and the current digital transformation phase. The results reveal that despite positive shifts such as legal reforms, decentralization, the emergence of non-state service providers, and the introduction of digital systems: the system remains constrained by regional disparities, underfunding, lack of qualified personnel, and limited user-centered digital tools. The SWOT analysis highlights critical strengths (e.g., international support and innovation openness) and threats (e.g., demographic pressures and political instability) that must be addressed to ensure resilient reform. The findings also emphasize the importance of integrating digital platforms with local governance structures to enhance service coordination, accountability, and responsiveness to community needs. The practical value of the article lies in its evidence-based strategic proposals for institutional development, digitalization, intersectoral collaboration, and community engagement, which together can foster a more inclusive, needs-based, and sustainable model of social services aligned with European standards.