Розвиток соціальної роботи в Україні: від жіночих ініціатив до сучасної професійної соціальної роботи

The article analyzes various aspects of social work, including social protection and assistance to individuals and groups in difficult life circumstances. It also discusses the formation of a strategy for women's initiatives aimed at developing targeted assistance, social support for families, children and youth, as well as ensuring social protection for citizens. Special attention is paid to creating conditions for working with different categories of service recipients, as well as social support for citizens who have been discharged or retired from military service, as well as their families, work with internally displaced persons and other categories affected by the war. The current state of social work as a professional activity is revealed. The forms and methods of social work necessary for the training of students of higher educational institutions are analyzed and substantiated. It is also provided a list of conditions necessary for the formation of a system of theoretical knowledge, practical skills and abilities, which will ensure their effective self-realization in the process of professional training. Particular attention is paid to the development of personal qualities of a social worker, which will contribute to the formation of comprehensively knowledgeable specialists in the field of social work and their high-quality work in difficult modern conditions. Keywords: women's councils; history of social work; social work; professional social work; principles of social work; goals of social work.