Public and charitable organizations are involved in the return of children from the occupation: new conditions for cooperation from the state
The subject of the return of children forcibly removed from the territory of Ukraine as a result of the war is not only moral, but also strategic. It combines law, international cooperation, humanitarian responsibility and long-term reintegration support. In conditions where state resources are limited, and the number of deported or displaced children reaches thousands, the importance of involving non-governmental and volunteer structures in this work is increasing. That is why Ukraine introduced a new procedure for state cooperation with public and charitable organizations — with clear conditions, mandatory planning and fixed state support after the child’s return.
Who and under what conditions can participate in the return of children
According to the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 551 of May 14, 2024, the State Service of Ukraine for Children offers organizations with experience in the field of child rights protection to officially join the process of returning children who are under Russian occupation or have been illegally displaced.
Cooperation is formalized in the form of an annual contract with the State Service. The participation of the organization involves not just accompanying the child, but comprehensive preparation for his return — with compliance with defined criteria, verified documents and a mandatory individual approach to each case.
The organization applying for cooperation must meet a number of requirements:
– not to be in the process of termination of activity;
– have experience of at least five years of work in the field of protection of children’s rights or family support reflected in the statutory documents;
– not to have confirmed violations of budget legislation;
– openly publish reports on their activities and the use of budget or local funds in the network.
What is an individual return plan and why is it necessary?
The return of the child must take place exclusively on the basis of an individual plan – without it, no state assistance will be calculated. It is a document that covers the full range of measures for the search, verification, safe return and reintegration of a child on the territory of Ukraine.
The plan is formed before the return and includes:
– information about the person making the return — a legal representative or an authorized person;
– return route and package of accompanying documents;
– post-arrival support measures, including medical, psychological, educational and social needs.
Particular attention is paid to the specifics of the child: his age, gender, medical, emotional and cultural characteristics, as well as the circumstances of his stay in the occupation and the region to which he returns.
An individual plan is not a formality, but an instrument of safety and sustainable reintegration, which allows to avoid secondary traumatization, loss of rights or unwanted re-displacement.
Financial support after return
Provided a properly executed individual plan, a child returning to Ukraine has the right to receive lifting assistance from the state in the amount of UAH 50,000. These funds are aimed at primary reintegration: arranging a household, purchasing necessary things, medical services, psychological adaptation, educational materials, etc.
The aid is not automatic, but is paid only when the return of the child complies with the established state order, and the organization that joined the process fulfills its obligations within the scope of the concluded contract.
How to apply for cooperation
Public associations and charitable foundations that meet the specified criteria must submit:
– a brief description of your activity;
– documents confirming experience and compliance with the criteria.
Submissions are accepted until June 29, 2025:
– to e-mail: [email protected]
– or by mail: 01601, Kyiv, str. Esplanadna, 8/10, State Service of Ukraine for Children.
The return of Ukrainian children is a long, complicated and extremely delicate process. It is not limited to physical transportation, it is about restoring trust, security, psychological balance and basic rights. That is why the involvement of professional and proven organizations with work experience in this work is a real mechanism for the return and protection of every child.
