CASE MANAGEMENT AS AN EFFECTIVE TECHNOLOGY OF SOCIAL WORK WITH SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES

Abstract

The article comprehensively explores case management as one of the key and effective forms of social work with single-parent families – a socially vulnerable group whose number in Ukraine continues to grow amid socio-economic instability and wartime challenges. Case management is presented as a tool that ensures an individualized, integrated, and result-oriented approach to supporting single-parent families. The study analyzes the main theoretical foundations (systems theory, ecological theory, and the family life cycle theory) that underpin this technology, as well as its practical implementation within the Ukrainian context.Attention is focused on the step-by-step algorithm of case management – from the establishment of initial contact to case closure – with a detailed description of the tools used at each stage. The article examines the specific needs and challenges of single-parent families, including socio-economic difficulties, psychological burdens, social isolation, stigmatization, and the developmental needs of children in such households. Emphasis is placed on the essential role of the social worker as a coordinator of the process, a facilitator, and a mediator between the client and social services.Special attention is given to interagency collaboration, identified as a critically important condition for effective case management. The article also highlights the advantages of this technology (individualization, comprehensiveness, increased client autonomy, coordination of services) and analyzes its potential limitations (resource dependency, labor intensity, the need for highly qualified professionals, etc.). Based on the findings, practical recommendations are formulated to optimize case management in the field of social support for single-parent families – particularly through staff training, the development of standardized procedures, and the provision of adequate resources.