Children evacuated from institutions in foreign countries may be adopted by Ukrainian citizens

The Government has recently approved a number of changes proposed by the Ministry of Social Policy to protect children's rights. In particular, it is now allowed to place children who were evacuated abroad from 24-hour care facilities due to the war under the care of Ukrainian citizens residing in Ukraine.

The regulatory framework stipulates that in the event of a child's return to Ukraine, placement with a family is a priority. Until now, children have been placed in foster families, family-type children's homes (large foster families), adoptive families, and, if there are favorable conditions for reunification, biological families. This list now includes families of guardians and trustees.

The decision to place a child under guardianship or custody is made by the service for children at the candidate's place of residence (stay).

If the candidate for guardianship or foster care is a relative of the child and is outside Ukraine, the child may be placed under his or her care. The decision is made by the guardianship authority at the last place of residence of the guardian or foster parent in Ukraine before he or she leaves for abroad.

It should be reminded that a candidate for guardianship or foster care who has a family relationship with a child is not required to take a training course on raising orphans and children deprived of parental care.

Every child needs a family. For children evacuated as members of institutions, foster care means full immersion in the Ukrainian environment and faster reintegration into society. It is also an opportunity to live in care, to realize their potential, and for some children, it is an opportunity to reunite with their brothers and sisters who were placed in family-based care earlier.