New Rules for Interaction with Communities for Non-State Social Service Providers: Analysis of the Resolution

The Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research (UCIPR) has analyzed Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 64, dated January 14, 2026, "Certain Issues of Organizing the Provision of Social Services." The document was adopted to regulate organizational and procedural issues in the field of social protection, specifically clarifying funding mechanisms, defining service providers, and establishing the procedure for their interaction with authorities.

The resolution was adopted amidst the ongoing reform of the social protection system and the decentralization of powers, where local communities play an increasingly significant role in providing social services to the population. The document is aimed at unifying approaches to service organization, detailing procedures for engaging non-state providers, streamlining funding mechanisms, and strengthening quality control.

In general, the resolution approves a new Procedure for Organizing the Provision of Social Services, case management, and determining the number of social managers. It defines procedures for decision-making on service provision based on needs assessment results, concluding contracts, funding through budget funds, engaging non-state entities, and monitoring quality.

A contractual model of interaction is established between the social service customer (local government body or authorized body) and the provider. Social services can be provided by both municipal institutions and public associations, charitable organizations, and other non-state entities, provided they meet the established criteria.

The document also details the application of social procurement mechanisms and compensation for service costs. At the same time, the resolution does not provide for new budget expenditures but is aimed at streamlining the use of already available resources.

For public and charitable organizations, the resolution creates a number of positive opportunities:

• The right of non-state organizations to participate in the social service provision system and conclude contracts with local government bodies is normatively established.

• Access to budget funding is expanded through social procurement mechanisms.

• This also increases the institutional legitimacy of the public sector as a professional provider of social services and stimulates further standardization and professionalization of activities.

At the same time, the document contains a number of potential risks for the public sector:

• The administrative burden is increasing due to requirements for reporting, financial control, and compliance with standards.

Thus, Resolution No. 64 is a step toward organizing the system of providing social services and forming a contractual model of cooperation between the state and civil society. For CSOs, it opens additional opportunities for participation in the field of social protection and access to budget funding.

However, the effectiveness of its implementation will depend on the practice of application at the community level, ensuring transparent competitive procedures, and preventing an excessive regulatory burden. It is advisable to further monitor the implementation of the resolution and evaluate its actual impact on the development of the civil sector in the field of social services.

Read the detailed analysis at the link.
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Institutional support for UCIPR activities is provided by East Europe Foundation within the framework of the "Phoenix: The Power of Communities" project, with the support of the European Union. The content of the created materials is the sole responsibility of UCIPR and does not necessarily reflect the position of East Europe Foundation and the EU.

Read also: What changed for CSOs in February: an overview of key innovations from UCIPR

 

 

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