The Current State of Social and Pedagogical Work with Minors to Prevent Delinquency in Ukraine

The article examines modern aspects of social and pedagogical work aimed at preventing juvenile delinquency in Ukraine. The article highlights current social challenges, in particular, the maladjustment of adolescents, the increase in crime in the context of war and social crisis. The author analyses the factors that cause deviant behaviour: economic instability, lack of proper parental supervision, negative peer pressure, alcohol and drug abuse, and traumatic events caused by the armed conflict. It is emphasised that the legal framework in Ukraine provides ample opportunities for preventive work with children and youth. The study summarises recommendations for preventive measures: work with families, monitoring of ‘risk groups’, involvement in legal education activities, trainings, consultations, and peer mediation. Particular attention is paid to interagency cooperation between educational institutions, social services, law enforcement agencies and other actors, with a focus on the establishment of an educational security service in schools in 2024. It is generalised that the effectiveness of prevention work is possible only with an integrated approach that takes into account the individual needs of adolescents, the creation of a favourable educational environment, and the active participation of the community. The importance of pedagogical technologies that stimulate positive socialisation, the formation of legal awareness and the prevention of deviant behaviour is substantiated. The Author emphasises the need for an integrated approach and interagency cooperation for effective prevention of juvenile delinquency. To improve the prevention of juvenile offenses in schools, socio-pedagogical recommendations have been proposed.