On the eve of Children's Day, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted a number of decisions to improve the system of protection of children's rights.

Thus, the Government has supported a bill developed by the Ministry of Social Policy, which provides for an increase in state support for the birth of a child or adoption. According to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, if the document is approved by the Verkhovna Rada, from January 1, 2022, this amount of assistance will be increased from UAH 41 thousand up to UAH 50 thousand.

"This is not the final increase: from 2023 onwards, it is proposed to increase the amount of such assistance by the inflation forecast indicator. Definitely, direct payments are only part of a strategy to support young families. Meanwhile, we will improve the quality of medicine for children, build new kindergartens and schools, give young families the opportunity to buy their own housing under the preferential mortgage program," the Prime Minister stressed.

As Denys Shmyhal noted, an integral part of strengthening the protection of children's rights is also the responsibility for violating their rights.

"We propose to introduce new provisions in the Code on Administrative Offenses, which will clearly establish responsibility for violations of children's rights, or for negligent attitude to this issue by responsible officials," stressed the Head of Government.

Another approved bill, according to the Prime Minister, proposes to improve the system of adoption of children to ensure the interests of the child and increase transparency in the adoption process.

"For example, the system of supervision and control over the living conditions and upbringing of adopted children in case of a change of place of residence is being improved. The document also provides for the right of persons with disabilities to be adoptive parents, if, according to the results of the examination, their illness does not prevent them from fulfilling their parental responsibilities," told Denys Shmyhal.

In addition, the Government endorsed a bill differentiating the functions of social protection of children between the National Social Service, the executive bodies of local councils, and regional state administrations.

"Each authority will assume clear powers and responsibilities," the PM said.

The Cabinet of Ministers also adopted a decision on improving housing conditions for orphaned children and approved the Concept of the state social program for children's rest and rehabilitation for a period until 2025.

"The principle of 'money follows the child' will be approved when the most successful and visited institutions receive funding. At the same time, we will stimulate the development of all institutions," Denys Shmyhal stressed.

The Prime Minister accentuated that the Government continues to work to ensure that children in Ukraine are provided with the best conditions for development and realization of personal potential.