Social Service Workforce Strengthening

A strong social service workforce is critical to meeting the needs of children without adequate family care. From government policy-makers, local administrators, researchers and social workers, to educators, community workers and care providers, social service actors play a key role in protecting girls and boys and promoting their care.

The development of a skilled and well-supported social service workforce is particularly important as countries move toward reforming their care systems and work to reduce reliance on residential care, strengthen families, prevent separation and promote family and community-based alternative care options. This is a challenging undertaking that requires social service actors from national to community level who are competent and willing to make changes to the way they deliver care, and are able to establish and manage a new range of preventive and responsive care services to children and families.

Strengthening the social service workforce in any country is complex. It involves creating supportive legislation and policies; developing recruitment, selection, employment, supervision, support and registration procedures; establishing education and training programmes; improving working conditions, ensuring licensing and practice standards; recognizing the status of care professionals; and raising awareness to change mindsets on care.

All of this requires working with a wide range of actors involved in supporting children and families. Substantial allocation (or redirection) of financial resources is also required, to ensure that sufficient numbers of skilled social service workers are available to work directly with children and their families at the community level, as well as at a higher administrative level to oversee care services and regulations.

This section contains documentation of social service workforce development within the context of national care reform and child protection system strengthening, including guidance, lessons learned and training tools.

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At the heart of institutional care: a qualitative study of caregiving dynamics in Indian childcare institutions

Manaswini Mishra and Rooplekha Khuntia, 01 Oct 2026

This ethnographic study examines caregiving practices in Indian Child Care Institutions, focusing on caregiver–child interactions, emotional responsiveness, and institutional influences. It draws on observations and interviews to provide a contextually grounded understanding of caregiving dynamics.

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Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities of the Social Sector Workforce and Existing Gaps

UNICEF and Maestral International, 13 Jul 2026

This brief presents findings from a workforce capacity study involving an online survey of 2,448 social sector professionals and focus group discussions conducted across Dnipro, Kharkiv, Lviv, and Volyn oblasts in Ukraine.

Supervision of the Social Worker Workforce: Case Study – United Kingdom

UNICEF and Maestral International, 13 Jul 2026

This case study examines the supervision system for the social work workforce in the United Kingdom, highlighting governance arrangements, professional standards, implementation practices, and lessons relevant to strengthening supervision in Ukraine. The publication describes supervision as a legally mandated and reflective practice embedded within employer accountability systems and professional development, rather than solely a performance management mechanism.

Strengthening the Social Sector through Supportive Supervision

UNICEF and Maestral, 13 Jul 2026

This brief summarizes the findings of a national assessment of supportive supervision for Ukraine's social sector workforce and presents key policy recommendations for strengthening supervision systems. Based on a desk review, an online survey of 2,448 social sector professionals, and interviews with key informants, the assessment identifies significant gaps in the current supervision system, including limited access to supervision, inconsistent understanding of supervisory practice, the absence of recognized professional standards and certification for supervisors, and fragmented legal regulation.

Strengthening the Social Sector Workforce: Applying Core Competencies

UNICEF, Maestral International, 13 Jul 2026

This policy brief outlines recommendations for strengthening Ukraine's social sector workforce through the adoption of competency-based professional standards, workforce regulation, and continuous professional development. Drawing on a rapid review of international experience from the United Kingdom, Romania, Germany, France, Sweden, and Poland, the publication examines how competency frameworks support professional identity, service quality, workforce regulation, and alignment between education and practice.

Findings and Recommendations Based on the Review of State and Regional Training Programs in the Social Sector

UNICEF and Maestral International, 13 Jul 2026

This brief presents the findings of a review of state and regional training programmes for social sector professionals in Ukraine.

Report on the Analysis of National and Regional Training Programmes in the Social Sector

UNICEF and Maestral International, 13 Jul 2026

This analytical report presents a comprehensive review of national and regional training programmes for Ukraine's social sector workforce to assess their relevance, quality, and alignment with current legislation, international standards, and workforce development needs.

Supervision of the Social Sector Workforce: Case Study – Romania

UNICEF and Maestral International, 13 Jul 2026

This case study examines Romania's experience in developing a structured supervision system for the social sector workforce and identifies lessons applicable to strengthening supervision in Ukraine. The publication traces the evolution of supervision from early NGO-led initiatives to its integration into national legislation, occupational standards, quality assurance mechanisms, and university education programmes.

Core Knowledge, Skills and Competencies of the Social Sector Workforce and Existing Capacity Gaps

UNICEF, Maestral International, 13 Jul 2026

This brief summarizes findings from a workforce capacity assessment examining the knowledge, skills, and competencies of Ukraine's social sector workforce in support of the Strategy on Ensuring Every Child's Right to Grow Up in a Family Environment (2024–2028).

International Experience in Core Competencies and In-Service Training of Social Sector Workers

UNICEF and Maestral International, 13 Jul 2026

This research report reviews international approaches to competency frameworks and in-service training for the social service workforce, drawing on experiences from the United Kingdom, Romania, Germany, France, Sweden, Poland, and other countries.