Ukrainians are a nation that proves its unity and strength of spirit in the most difficult times. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, many citizens have rushed to help those in need of protection, support and family warmth. One of the most emotionally important initiatives was the adoption of orphans and children deprived of parental care. In war conditions, the number of orphans is increasing, but the number of those willing to give these children a chance for a happy childhood is also increasing. Despite the difficulties, Ukrainian families take responsibility and lovingly accept children into their families.
Adoption dynamics: statistics for 2024
According to official data, in 2024, 1,270 orphans and children deprived of parental care were adopted in Ukraine. This is 27% more than in 2023. Such a positive trend has become possible thanks to both the awareness of citizens and simplified adoption procedures, which are implemented as part of the reform of the system of care and support for children.
Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Children, Petro Dobromilskyi noted, that, unlike many countries where the war brought the adoption process to a halt, the situation in Ukraine is developing dynamically. Despite the difficult conditions, Ukrainians are ready to take children into their families, giving them love, care and support.
The number of children that can be adopted
According to the regional services for children, by the end of 2024, out of 15,021 children who can be adopted, 11,052 are being raised in family forms of education. This means that the vast majority of children receive family care, which significantly improves their living conditions and emotional state. It is also important to note that as of the end of the year, 2,399 people were on the lists of candidates for adoption, and most of them expressed a desire to adopt children under the age of 5.
Despite the war and economic difficulties, Ukrainians demonstrate high social responsibility. Adoption is not just a legal process, but a deep emotional choice that involves caring for a child, its development and integration into a new family. For many families, this is a way to help those most affected by the war. Also an important factor is the nationwide tendency to strengthen family values, which further motivates people to accept children into their homes.
Reform of the care and support system for children
A large-scale reform of the child care and support system is underway in Ukraine. It is aimed not only at promoting adoption, but also at strengthening families to prevent children from being separated from their biological parents. In particular, the Coordinating Center for the Development of Family Education and Child Care actively works with 10 demonstration regions, helping communities to implement the reform.
As part of this reform, an in-depth analysis of the situation of children and families in 86 communities has already been carried out. This makes it possible to more effectively implement support programs and adapt state policy in accordance with the needs of society. In addition, mechanisms are being developed to help those who wish to adopt a child, so that this process is as comfortable and transparent as possible.
Challenges and prospects
Despite positive trends, the problem of orphanhood in Ukraine remains relevant. The main challenges facing the adoption system are:
- A large number of older children who need family comfort.
- The need to expand support for foster families.
- The need for additional social programs for adaptation of adopted children.
However, Ukrainians have already proven that they are capable of coping with any difficulties. The increase in adoptions in 2024 is just one manifestation of the big heart and indomitable spirit of a nation that, even in its darkest times, continues to give children hope for a happy future.
