Social service providers as entities of the social service provision system in Ukraine

The article analyzes the legislation on social services from the perspective of determining the current directions for updating the regulatory provisions governing the legal status of social service providers. An attempt is made to define the system of such providers and to analyze the ways of involving civil society institutions in the provision of social services. The article provides examples of legislative provisions that confirm the thesis that it is important to unify the entire system of providers within a single concept – “social service providers,” which is contained in the basic Law of Ukraine “On Social Services.” The author argues that the provisions of other legislative acts that refer to providers using other concepts and definitions should be deleted. The author proves the need to ensure equality of providers in the social services market, regardless of their organizational and legal form, ownership, or name. It is emphasized that the inclusion of a legal entity or an individual in the Register of Providers and Recipients of Social Services as a provider determines their right to engage in the relevant type of activity. The author supports the conclusion that social service providers are socially obliged subjects of social security law. It is emphasized that most of the legislative obligations of social service providers need to be reviewed, as those that do not have clear legislative forms and procedures for their implementation are evaluative or need to be updated in view of the innovations taking place in the social service system. The author emphasizes the need for clear legislative compliance between the performance of duties and the legal liability of social service providers/professionals. The author analyzes the possibility of using outsourcing in the legal relations of social service provision. The advantages of its use are shown in the example of foreign countries. The need to “grow” new non-governmental social service providers is characterized. The data confirming this need are presented. It is emphasized that the issue of geographical disproportion of social service providers has an impact on ensuring the accessibility of these services for their recipients. The prospects for the emergence and activities of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams are noted.