The Local Governments as a Subject of the Child Protection System in the Local Community

The article examines the organisation of local governments in the system of social protection of children in the process of decentralisation of power and the formation of united territorial communities. The biggest challenge for the authorities, after agreeing with communities and approving long-term plans, is to create a safe environment for children, who have risks and might need social assistance. As the analysis of scientific and theoretical-practical material shows, the state is now actively cooperating in this direction with international organisations and non-governmental organisations that develop projects such as «Together. Social services for families in the community» (Semikina, 2020). So, directions of the reform of social services are accessibility, overcoming difficult life circumstances, guardianship and care of children. The term «community» can be defined as an area, community of interested of people and local government and administrative-territorial unit. In the Law of Ukraine «On Social Services», the description of relevance of social services in the community and the purpose of the centre of social services as central and local authorities are specified. To conclude, the interdepartmental activities of state and public organisations related to children's protection systems, the establishment of an interdepartmental commission aimed at identifying the children affected by violence and circumstances that may threaten their lives and health have been revealed. Thus, local governments can be considered to be part of the system of social protection of children. the establishment and development of interaction and partnership between local governments, the executive social institutions and public organizations that strengthens protection of children can be considered to be the necessary conditions for the effectiveness of the aforementioned activities.