Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity, and Save the Children address partnership for the protection of children during wartime

A team of the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity, led by First Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity Liudmyla Shemelinets, met with representatives of the Save the Children — the organization's CEO, Åsa Regnér, and the Country Director for Ukraine, Sonia Kush. During the meeting, strategic directions for partnership in the implementation of the European Child Guarantee in Ukraine were discussed.

The European Child Guarantee is an EU initiative aimed at ensuring that vulnerable children have access to basic services. It aims to protect them from the risk of social isolation.

"We are working on the implementation of the European Child Guarantee in Ukraine, in close cooperation with international partners, including Sweden, particularly in the areas of preventing violence against children, developing a system of services for children with disabilities, and improving the capacity of social workers. For the child support system to work effectively, it is necessary to significantly strengthen the institution of social workers, as there is currently observed a shortage of such professionals, and, thus, the inability to meet all needs. Therefore, we are preparing legislative changes to increase their numbers and make their work more effective and inclusive. This is an extremely important task, because only in this way can we ensure that every child is heard and receives the necessary assistance in a timely manner," said Liudmila Shemelinets.

The parties discussed practical opportunities for cooperation in introducing the Guarantee. This concerns Save the Children's expert contribution to the development of the National Action Plan and the ways the organization can strengthen the Ministry's efforts in this area.

The participants also discussed options for cooperation within the framework of the reform of the child care and support system, namely Save the Children's contribution to the development of family-based care so that every child in Ukraine can grow up in a safe and caring family, and have opportunities for full and integrated development. It should be noted that the Ukrainian Government has expanded the criteria for granting the status of a child affected by war.

For Ukraine, the implementation of the European Child Guarantee means protecting children in times of war, when they face daily dangers, food shortages, and psychological trauma. Simultaneously, it means combining the efforts of the state, communities, and international partners into a single support system. It is also an important step towards European integration, demonstrating the alignment of Ukrainian child protection policy with European standards.

The meeting ended with an agreement to continue practical cooperation, in particular on expert support, exchange of experience, and coordination of joint steps to further support children and families in Ukraine.