The article presents the innovative potential of social work in the conditions of modernization of the social sphere;, reviews modern assist technologies for population of various categories; accents the need to improve professional training and the implementation of project approach in solving social problems; considers the state assistance based on the social contract as a new target type of assistance to disadvantaged citizens. Along with the existing state social assistance and support system, the social contract is intended to solve the problems of poverty reduction, to encourage disadvantaged people to self-suffi ciency: the basic principles, characteristics and conditions of social contracts are identified. The author points out complex application measures of the social contract for the people leaving the category of the poor; determines features of the hospital replacement technology «foster family for elderly citizens and disabled people», its role in the system of social services;. analyzes e implementation practice of the technology of social contract and foster family for elderly citizens and disabled people in Chelyabinsk region. This article is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of social work in Russia as a professional activity, science and academic discipline.