"Ukraine for Every Child": What types of family upbringing are available, and how many children require these support systems?
In Ukraine, the nationwide informational campaign "Ukraine for Every Child" continues, aimed at educating citizens about various forms of family upbringing in Ukraine, as reported by UNN.
Currently, over 15,000 Ukrainian orphans and children deprived of parental care are registered for adoption. However, the issue lies in the fact that most candidates for adoption seek to take children under the age of 6 into their families, while more than 90% of children in institutions are older.
According to the National Social Service, from February 24, 2022, to January 1, 2024, 1,786 children have been left without parental care due to the military invasion (death, loss of parents, and lack of contact with parents). Out of these 1,786 children, 1,188 have been classified as orphans or children deprived of parental care.
Ways to Welcome a Child into a Family
In Ukraine, there is a platform called "Ukraine for Every Child", where you can find a step-by-step guide on how to welcome a child into your family, learn about adoption, family forms of upbringing, and guardianship, and find the right expert.
For those wishing to welcome a child into their family, the platform's website features a section called "Care Line", where initial consultations can be obtained. This way, everyone interested can receive answers to legal questions and consult with social workers and psychological counselors.
There are several ways to welcome a child into a family. In particular, in Ukraine, besides adoption, there are forms of family upbringing such as guardianship, foster care, family-type children's homes, and child patronage services. We invite you to learn more about them.
Adoption - a permanent family for the child.
An adopted child becomes a part of a new family with the same rights and responsibilities as biological children.
A family environment is the very place that creates a sense of safety, trust, and love for the child. It is the only form of upbringing that guarantees stable and continuous family support for the child.
Foster Family
A foster family takes in from 1 to 4 children. Here, children receive warmth, support, and the opportunity to grow and develop in safety and love. The state allocates funds for the maintenance of the children.
Family-Type Children's Home
A large foster family or family-type children's home is a family that raises children who are without parental care. Such a family can take in from 5 to 10 orphans or children deprived of parental care.
Patronage
A patronage family provides necessary care for the child and creates safe conditions for their development when their biological family cannot fulfill its responsibilities for various reasons (illness, difficult life circumstances, loss of housing, etc.). While the child stays in a patronage family, social services work with their parents to help them resolve their issues and regain custody of the child.
Guardianship and Custody
Guardianship/custody involves raising children in the family of a guardian/custodian. This form is primarily intended for relatives but is also available to those who have undergone special training. You become the legal representative of the child and are responsible for their life, health, and physical and mental development. The state provides financial support for the child's maintenance.
Guardianship is established for children under 14 years old. Custody is established for children aged 14 to 18 years.
Every child in Ukraine should grow up in a safe and caring family, with opportunities for full and harmonious development.
Guardianship or custody in Ukraine is one of the most common forms of family upbringing. More than 45,000 children are raised in the families of guardians and custodians. This accounts for 3 out of 4 orphans and children deprived of parental care.
UNN invites you to read the story of the Sheremet family from Dnipropetrovsk region, who opened their home to three children.
The Sheremet family took in three children: 11-year-old Arseniy, 13-year-old Eliziy, and little Adel, who turned two on August 10. Overall, it has been nearly two years since the children have lived with this family.
3Why Guardianship?
Igor Viktorovich Sheremet worked on the railway for many years and retired early. He admits that the decision to take in children was made collectively, as a family. Together with his wife, they called their daughter and spoke with their grandson. Their daughter reassured them, saying: "Don't worry, we will support the children together."
The Sheremets submitted an application and a package of necessary documents, after which the decision for guardianship was made. Of course, they underwent special training and consultations with psychologists beforehand. They were explained the difference between guardianship and custody. Specifically, they are guardians for a child under 14 years old. Custody is established for a child aged 14 to 18 years. However, both guardians and custodians are legal representatives of the child's interests. They bear responsibility for the child's life, health, and physical and mental development. The Sheremets resolved all bureaucratic issues in just a few months.
"The kids matured very quickly. During their time with us, everything changed: their behavior, worldview, and attitude towards everyday life. We strive to prepare the children for adult life. We discuss various life situations with them, and they do not have rose-colored glasses. For example, from the very beginning, we started a financial notebook to track our family budget. We shop together with the children so they understand how a family lives. This helps build their financial literacy. Even two-year-old Adel has become more open. She used to be like a hedgehog. Now she's a completely different child," shares Natalia.
She mentions that Eliziy is already concerned about the future of his sister, wondering if she will stay in their family when he and his brother enter adulthood. Of course, the Sheremets explain everything to the kids, but they are also pleased that the children recognize their responsibility for a loved one's fate.
45678Everything is like in a regular family
The kids are active, as is proper for their age, and their guardians support them, give advice, and of course, raise them, just like in a regular family. There are also reasons to be proud. Igor and Natalia can talk about this for hours. Eliziy is one of the best students in his class, earning certificates and accolades. He loves to learn. Arseniy has culinary skills. He is a good helper in the kitchen, where Natalia cooks while he assists her.
The children live in a spacious house, with swings and a pool outside. One of the rooms is decorated with balloons for a birthday celebration, as Natalia explains. They have developed a tradition of hanging balloons, organizing tea parties with sweets, and of course, no holiday is complete without gifts.
"The kids go to school, participate in clubs, and have friends. Unfortunately, the village doesn't offer as many club options as the city, but they still find activities they enjoy. For instance, I am a fisherman, and the kids have also taken a liking to it. So whenever we have the chance, we all go together to the water body," continues Igor Viktorovich.
However, this is not the only family tradition. Every morning in the Sheremet family starts with physical exercise. Everyone participates, both children and adults.
"We show the kids that life is better than sitting for hours on the phone. Also, when problematic issues arise, we all sit together at the round table, discuss, and seek solutions. Adult life is not a walk in the park. There will be tests and challenges. But strong people solve problems, so it's essential to develop physically and strengthen character. This is the life lesson we teach the children," Igor Sheremet continues the conversation.
We felt support everywhere
In their nearly two years of guardianship experience, the family admits: they have never regretted their decision. No matter how challenging it may be to raise children, they have found support everywhere.
"The Child Affairs Service has become our main advisor. We have developed a special type of relationship. We are not afraid of visits from specialists, and the service respects us and our work. Sometimes they call, sometimes they come by. We have nothing to hide, so our doors are always open," Natalia shares.
Moreover, the village was understanding of their decision. The village head of Bozhedarivka immediately offered to purchase