Meeting with Community Leaders in Kirovohrad Region
Denys Uliutin, Ukraine’s Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity, recently convened with local community leaders and social sector activists in the Kirovohrad region. The discussion centered on compensation and the advancement of social services. The national government has allocated additional subsidies to local budgets, enabling them to pay higher wages to social workers. This initiative aims to improve working conditions and ensure adequate funding for social workers across the region.
Social Services in Kirovohrad Region
Currently, the Kirovohrad region operates 15 territorial social service centers and 33 social service hubs under the executive committees of village and settlement councils. Minister Uliutin stressed the need to prioritize social services in smaller communities, stating:
“We are giving due attention to the social sphere in small communities.” - Denys Uliutin
The minister also announced that the next area of focus, to be developed in partnership with the community, involves introducing inclusive transportation for people with limited mobility. These steps reflect the government’s commitment to improving social services and supporting the most vulnerable segments of the population.
The measures unveiled by the minister could significantly transform the social services landscape in the Kirovohrad region, particularly through higher salaries for social workers, which in turn is expected to enhance the quality of services provided. The planned rollout of inclusive transport is another crucial move toward making social services more accessible for people with disabilities, underscoring the state’s dedication to supporting socially vulnerable groups.
In light of these developments, the recent reappointment of Minister Koretsky serves as a testament to the ongoing commitment towards enhancing social policies in Ukraine. His reflections on the past year highlight significant progress in the sector, which aligns with the current initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of social workers and the communities they serve.