The Ministry of Social Policy spoke about the peculiarities of assistance for families with children in the frontline regions
Ukraine continues to look for innovative solutions to support its citizens in the extraordinary conditions of war. In the frontline regions, where the largest number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are concentrated, new approaches to the provision of state aid were introduced. One of the important changes was the improvement of the “Municipal Nanny” program, which is aimed at supporting families with children.
The Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine, Oksana Zholnovych, announced the innovation during the “Demographic Future of Ukraine: Strategy for Sustainability and Recovery” forum. Answering journalists’ questions, she emphasized that adaptation of social services in areas with the highest concentration of IDPs is a state priority. The changes primarily affected the availability of services and financial support mechanisms for families who lost stability due to the war.
The “Municipal Nanny” program, which was created as a tool to help parents take care of children, is now gaining special importance. In a situation where many families are forced to adapt to new living conditions, these services become not just support, but a real lifeline. The new program implementation format takes into account the unique needs of IDP families, providing them with the opportunity to integrate into new communities and restore normal life.
Why exactly is this project so important for Ukraine in wartime conditions? It not only facilitates the life of individual families, but also contributes to strengthening the stability of society. Children who receive proper care and support grow up in an environment that, despite challenges, remains stable and nurturing. And parents, freed from some of their daily worries, can focus on restoring their family, social and professional ties.
In the context of the demographic challenges facing the country, such initiatives are key. They help to create conditions for preserving the population, supporting families and increasing the level of trust in state institutions.
Oksana Zholnovich noted that in the frontline regions, due to constant danger or other restrictions, it is impossible to send a child to kindergarten. That is why the terms of the “municipal babysitter” service were revised within the framework of the pilot project. Thus, now one nanny can take care of three children at the same time, and the payment for this service has also been increased.
“In the front-line regions, where mothers cannot send their children to kindergarten, it is necessary for them to have the opportunity, if it is a child with a disability, to simply rest, if it is an IDP mother, to find a job and socialize.” – said the minister.
Compensation from the state for the “municipal nanny” service currently amounts to 100% of the minimum hourly wage (42.60 UAH per hour in 2024) and can reach a maximum amount of 7,029 UAH per month. Parents of children under 6 years old in frontline regions and families with children under 3 years old who are IDPs can receive compensation for babysitting services.
To receive compensation, it is necessary to conclude a written contract with the “municipal nanny” and submit a package of documents to the local social security body.
Comprehensive information about the conditions of the program can be found on the website of the Ministry of Social Policy or in local centers for the provision of social services.
It should be noted that in addition to the expansion of the “municipal nanny” service, the Ministry of Social Policy introduced a subsidy for housing rent to support internally displaced persons.
