“A child must have a family”: Zelenska spoke about the situation with adoption during the war

The problem of adoption or patronage for children left without parental care has always existed, and the war intensified them. New support programs for foster families, possibilities for simplifying the adoption procedure and other aspects to ensure a happy childhood for young Ukrainians were discussed the day before during the International Summit of Ministers of Social Policy in Kyiv.
It was about providing housing for large families, especially those who lost their homes as a result of hostilities.
“A child should have a family. This is precisely the meaning of the strategy of reforming the system of care and support for children. Ukraine took this course on family education even before the invasion. But the enemy attack put the reform in jeopardy. We need more people who are ready to support, adopt and raise. And for this, they need their own confidence in life – in housing, in state support. For example, more than 22 thousand children in institutions actually have parents. But why are the children not with them? This can happen because the family is going through a difficult time, due to a lack of jobs in the community, lack of health services, schools nearby or special services for children with disabilities. If they are, the family will be saved,” she said Olena Zelenska during the International Dialogue on the Reform of the Child Care and Support System held within the International Summit of Ministers of Social Policy.
According to the first lady, the situation with adoption can improve if potential parents are sufficiently informed about the whole procedure and about support programs for families raising orphans or children deprived of parental care.
“Better awareness would also help. According to statistics, 14% of Ukrainians know about foster families, and only 5% know about foster care. It is clear how difficult it is to do this during the war. We are grateful for the support of the European Commission, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen personally and the permanent UNICEF, a partner of all children’s initiatives, said Olena Zelenska.
It should be noted that both the state and volunteer organizations help provide housing for foster families. In particular, the Elena Zelenska Foundation provided new housing for six families who lost their homes due to the war.