This year, the government of Ukraine launched a program called “The child is not alone”, aimed at providing financial support to families who temporarily take in children left without parental care. There was a program developed by the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine in order to help families who have taken responsibility for the care of children before they receive official orphan status.
Previously, these families did not receive any financial assistance from the state, which created significant difficulties for the maintenance of children, especially for grandmothers, guardians and other relatives. Due to the lack of support, there was a real risk that children could end up in institutions, as families were not always able to cover the costs of their upkeep on their own.
Since the implementation of the “A child is not alone” program, financial assistance has been provided to 483 children for a total amount of UAH 14.565 million. The amount of payments is 2.5 times the subsistence minimum for children of the appropriate age, and 3.5 times the subsistence minimum for children with disabilities.
An application for receiving this assistance can be submitted by persons with whom a child is temporarily placed, provided that the family permanently resides in the territory of Ukraine. The child’s temporary placement is arranged by the Children’s Service, and aid is paid through social security agencies or local administrative service centers.
The program also provides for the possibility of continuation of payments in cases where the period of temporary placement of the child is extended. The main reasons for issuing assistance are the death of one of the parents, the parents’ stay in the occupation zone, their search, capture or deprivation of liberty.
Financial assistance is deposited into the recipient’s bank account or paid through post offices at the place of residence.
Living wage for children:
- Up to 6 years: UAH 2,563 (2.5 subsistence minimum — UAH 6,407.5; 3.5 — UAH 8,970.5)
- From 6 to 18 years: UAH 3,196 (2.5 subsistence minimum — 7,990 UAH; 3.5 — 11,186 UAH).
