Transformation of powers of public authorities in children social protection system in Ukraine under the decentralization reform

Abstract

The conclusion of transformation processes in child social welfare system of Ukraine is presented in the article. Another process of reforming the institution care system is underway. The Decentralisation Reform and other systemic reforms of public authorities sparked a discussion about the formation of another public administration mechanisms in Ukraine. There have been changes in legislation. State agencies at regional level have been liquidated. The powers of this bodies were transferred to local self-government. So thas it made it possible to delegate powers to provide administrative serveces in amalgamated hromadas. There are institutional changes under the deinstitualisation reform. The incumbent legislation involves establishment of the Office of Children’s Services for the purpose of ensuring children’s social protection, accomodation rights and interests in the municipalities on the territory of which the reside. Currently these powers are at the National Social Services of Ukraine. The Committee of Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine submitted a bill establishing the State Children’s Service instead of previous one. The new concept of social services for families with children in hromadas has to be worked out further and be used. Social orphanhood prevention requires an integrated approach in the system of public administration. The basic challenges in children social welfare system nowadays are: lack of clear mechanisms of implementation of existing legislation, lack of qualified specialists, uncompleted reforms processes. The monitoring of the results of reforms in society is not carried at the moment. Statistical data have not been updated for several years. The Offices of Children’s Services of hromadas are presented by only one social employee. Prevention of social orphanhood is not the priority framework for amalgamated hromadas currently. There is also no single concept in the issues of social policy.