Features of social work of the Caritas charitable foundation in Ukraine under conditions of war

Abstract

The article examines the specific features of the activities of the Charitable Foundation Caritas Ukraine in the field of social work under the conditions of the full-scale war in Ukraine. It analyses changes in the organizational structure, key areas of work, and the transformation of the foundation’s social programmes after 2022. Particular attention is paid to the forms of humanitarian, psychosocial, and integration support provided to internally displaced persons, older adults, and families with children. New approaches to social assistance are identified, including mobile teams, digital platforms for beneficiary registration, and the expansion of volunteer networks. The social impact of the foundation’s activities on community cohesion and the development of partnerships between state, religious, and civil society institutions is demonstrated. The main challenges of social work during wartime are outlined: professional burnout among staff, limited resources, and the need for integrating NGO experience into state policy. The article also identifies prospects for the development of a national social support system based on the practices of Caritas Ukraine and the potential for forming a national model of social work in crisis conditions.