Types of social services for homeless people

Abstract

The article examines the types of social services provided to homeless persons in accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On Social Services". On the basis of the analysis of legislative norms and scientific developments, the need to apply a comprehensive approach to the functioning of the system of providing services to homeless persons is substantiated, taking into account the state social standards, which determine the procedure for providing appropriate social services for persons who find themselves in difficult life circumstances.
 It was found that homeless persons are recipients of such social services as shelter, night shelter, supported accommodation of homeless persons, social integration and reintegration, and in-kind assistance. At the same time, the legislation of Ukraine provides for the possibility of applying to homeless persons such types of social services as information and social prevention, representation of interests, social support during employment and at the workplace, representation (mediation).
 Given the fact that the only social service within which emergency medical assistance is provided on the street is emergency (crisis) intervention, it is necessary to recognize homeless persons as its recipients. It is also proposed to supplement the list of social services for homeless people with social and psychological rehabilitation.
 Attention is focused on the need to harmonize the provisions of Art. 17 of the Law of Ukraine «On the Basics of Social Protection of Homeless Persons and Homeless Children» and Art. 16 of the Law of Ukraine «On Social Services» regarding the types of social services provided to homeless persons. It has been proven that temporary shelter, social, medical, legal, educational, and rehabilitation services for homeless persons in the sense of the provisions of the Law of Ukraine «On Social Services» are not provided for. Therefore, it is suggested that the provisions of Art. 17 of the Law of Ukraine «On the Basics of Social Protection of Homeless Persons and Homeless Children» in the following wording: «Homeless persons have the right to social services and rehabilitation in the order and under the conditions determined by the legislation of Ukraine.»