Tetiana Kiriienko: Assistance plan for children and young people returning from deportation provides for aid of UAH 50,000

Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine Tetiana Kiriienko took part in a meeting of the expert council under the Representative of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Commissioner for the Rights of Citizens Affected by Armed Aggression against Ukraine.

During the meeting, participants discussed the state of the 2026 admission campaign for persons from temporarily occupied territories, as well as the issue of providing UAH 50,000 in relief assistance to young people aged 18-23 who have returned from deportation, forced displacement, or TOT. This is one of the components of the plan to support the reintegration of children in accordance with Resolution No. 551 within the framework of the President of Ukraine's Bring Kids Back UA initiative for children and young people who have returned from the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. In particular, the participants discussed the status of implementation of this support, as well as challenges and ways to improve assistance mechanisms for young people returning to the territory controlled by the Government of Ukraine.

Tetiana Kiriienko emphasized that support programs for children and young people returning to the territory controlled by the Ukrainian Government from the temporarily occupied territories are part of a comprehensive state reintegration policy. According to her, this involves not only engaging young people in education, but also creating a comprehensive support pathway — from social support to resolving housing and educational issues. Special attention is paid to young people aged 18–23, who are on the verge of transitioning from childhood to adulthood and need systematic support during their return home.

"In June 2025, the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity introduced a one-time payment of UAH 50,000 for children who returned after deportation. In October 2025, the support program was extended to young people aged 18–23. At the same time, a set of measures has been provided for to ensure conditions for continuing education and prevent the return of children to the occupied territory," said Tetiana Kiriienko.

Comprehensive work by ministries, civil society organizations, and regional authorities is key to ensuring that young people from the temporarily occupied territories are provided with unhindered education and support.