On 27 December, Minister of Social Policy Oksana Zholnovych, Head of the State Service for Children Petro Dobromilskyi, representatives of the SMA and non-governmental partners visited a centre where children who returned to Ukraine from Turkey are undergoing an adaptation period. These are children who had to be evacuated abroad from institutional care facilities due to the full-scale invasion.

"The state is working to ensure that every return is safe and in the best interests of children. The detailed return mechanism we have developed with our partners takes into account the needs of each child. It's not just about providing shelter, food and education. The main priority is to find relatives who will take care of these children, or foster or adoptive families, where they can live in warmth and care, and not return to institutions," said Oksana Zholnovych, Minister of Social Policy.

It should be noted that 30 out of 137 children who have returned from Turkey have already been placed in family-based care. Another 20 children will be reunited with their new families in the near future.

Oksana Zholnovich added that as part of the pilot project, special rehabilitation and recreation centres are being set up in a region remote from the front line, where psychologists and social work specialists work with children. This is necessary so that upon returning to Ukraine, the children can adapt to the current conditions, receive full support and care for all issues that may have arisen during the forced evacuation. And after that, they could be placed in a family.

"The children are very happy to be back in their homeland! The most important thing is that they are safe now, and we are working on their adaptation to the new conditions and placement in family-based care. This is part of the Strategy to ensure the right of every child in Ukraine to grow up in a family environment. I am grateful to all the partners who contributed to the return and integration of children into the Ukrainian environment," said Petro Dobromilskyi, Head of the State Service for Children.

"It is important that every child feels cared for, safe and supported, and understands that they are cared for, even if they have lost their family for one reason or another. That is why the Government is working on all possible mechanisms to ensure children's comfort and peace of mind. This approach is based on the best international practices adapted to the realities of Ukraine.