Hreba R. The mechanisms of reforming the system of social services in conditions of decentralization, aiming to give power to Ukraine

The dissertation substantiates mechanisms of reforming the system of social services in conditions of decentralization of power in Ukraine. Peculiarities of introducing a new mechanism for managing the development of social services system in Ukraine have been determined by taking into account positive achievements of the European experience. It has been established that the process of reforming social services at local level should begin with definition of the main subject responsible for effectiveness of the reforms being undertaken. As such subjects, it is proposed to consider local bodies of executive power and bodies of local self-government, which act as leaders of the social function of state and representatives of the interests of community. The European experience proves the effectiveness of such roles for the local authorities in the development of social services as "initiator", "provider", "donor" and "consultant", characterized by their different sets of functional characteristics and features appropriate to their mission and purpose. The highest efficiency and social performance is demonstrated by the "provider" role of local authorities in the development of social services as ability to demonstrate and effectively implement social function of the state in direct contact with the recipients of social services. The existing interpretation of the basic concepts of "social services", "difficult living conditions", and "social support" have been reviewed, and it has been suggested to interpret social services as activities, which are regulated and coordinated by the state and aimed at socialization / integration / reintegration of a person into society in order to comply with the state guarantees and ensure equal rights and opportunities for citizens to access public welfare. It is reasoned that social services should be provided free of charge to people who are in difficult circumstances; charging fees on a preferential basis towards certain target groups; on a paid basis - to all citizens who need social services, which does not deny the importance of access to social services and reflects only the form of interaction between the recipient and the provider of services. In accordance with this, the idea of social services is substantiated based on the change of vectors from paternalism to solidarity, civic engagement and responsibility, from dependency to enhancement of the capacity of the individual, which provides a change to the relationship between state and society through the development of new forms of group solidarity and mutual responsibility. We consider the social dimension of decentralization in Ukraine from the view of subsidiary state formation, as defined in the Plan of Measures as part of the reform of local government and territorial organization of the power in Ukraine: education, public health, social security.