Ukraine remains steadfast in protecting children, especially during wartime: Liudmyla Shemelynets during ministerial conference dedicated to ending violence against children in Bucharest

Ukraine remains steadfast in its commitment to protect every child from violence, neglect, and exploitation, especially during a full-scale war. This was emphasized by Liudmyla Shemelynets, First Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine, during the regional ministerial conference dedicated to ending violence against children held in Bucharest.

The First Deputy Minister noted that despite the challenges of war, Ukraine continues to reform its child protection system, which is based on three key priorities: prevention, the development of family education, and ensuring access to social services at the community level.

“These priorities are being implemented through close cooperation with UNICEF, other UN agencies, and civil society—so that no child is left behind,” Liudmyla Shemelynets emphasized.

She recalled that in 2024, Ukraine had undertaken to expand its national network of psychosocial and parental support, and this task had already been accomplished. Today, 326 Resilience Centers operate in communities across the country, providing assistance to families and strengthening the social resilience of communities.

In addition, Liudmyla Shemelynets told about the launch of national programs for adoption and foster care preparation – “Born in the Heart” and “A Family for a Child,” which have already been delivered to over 7,600 participants.

"Every year, more than 7,000 children in Ukraine need temporary care outside their biological families. Starting in January 2026, Ukraine will increase payments to foster parents in accordance with the principle ‘money follows the child’. We have also purchased 181 houses across the country for foster families," the First Deputy Minister emphasized.

According to her, as of September 2025, 1,687 children who returned from the occupied territories or the russian federation received comprehensive medical, educational, psychological, and legal assistance.

In conclusion, Liudmyla Shemelynets emphasized that empowering and supporting families, as well as ensuring that every child grows up without violence is the foundation for the rehabilitation of Ukrainian society.

“This is not just part of our recovery. This is our rehabilitation,” concluded the First Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine.