Social protection of children in institutions in Ukraine during war
The article provides an in-depth analysis of the functioning and transformation of Ukraine’s social protection system for children residing in institutional care during the full-scale war. The impact of military operations on the functioning of various types of institutions is analysed, as are the specifics of organising evacuations and preserving the lives and health of children, and ensuring safe conditions in regions under shelling and in temporarily occupied territories. Particular attention is paid to staffing capacity issues and the training of personnel working with traumatised children, as well as changes in the mechanisms for financing institutions. The report traces the downward trend in the number of children in residential institutions, which is due to the ongoing deinstitutionalisation process and the war-related risks which have accelerated the transfer of children to safe regions or abroad. The main systemic barriers identified are the absence of a central coordination centre, inadequate interagency collaboration between the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, a fragmented regulatory framework, a shortage of social workers and psychologists, and significant wear and tear on the material and technical infrastructure. The effectiveness of existing mechanisms for protecting children’s rights has been assessed, particularly with regard to preventing illegal displacement and maintaining records of displaced children. The feasibility of modernising the social protection system through the establishment of a National Agency for the Protection of Children’s Rights, the introduction of digital monitoring tools based on the Unified Information System for the Social Sphere, the expansion of social services at the community level and the development of family-based forms of care and supported living has been substantiated. These efforts aim to improve the effectiveness of state policy, strengthen community capacity, establish a sustainable support system and enhance the quality of life for children in institutional care or evacuated due to the war, while aligning with international standards for the protection of children’s rights.
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