PREVENTION DIFFICULT LIFE CIRCUMSTANCES: CONCEPTUALIZATION DEFINITION

Abstract

Prevention of difficult life circumstances is one of the vital areas of work of a social worker. It is confirmed in the new Law of Ukraine, "About Social Services," adopted in 2019. The document defines the organizational and legal framework for the provision of social services, which aim not only to overcome difficult life circumstances but also to prevent them. However, the term "prevention of difficult life circumstances" needs to be clarified. The article analyzes the fundamental concepts of "difficult life circumstances" and "social prevention", which allowed us to interpret the definition of "prevention of difficult life circumstances". It has been found that the effectiveness of prevention depends not only on reducing risk factors but also on strengthening the protective factors that are most closely related to the problem. The types of prevention of difficult life circumstances are described, and possible measures are identified that will contribute to the realization of the goals and objectives of each type. Early intervention plays an essential role in primary and secondary prevention, allowing identifying problems in the early stages and preventing their spread and aggravating them.