“Ukraine for every child": what forms of family education exist and how many children need it

An all-Ukrainian information campaign "Ukraine for Every Child" is underway in Ukraine, which aims to inform citizens about various forms of family education in Ukraine, UNN reports. 

Today, more than 15,000 Ukrainian orphans and children deprived of parental care are registered for adoption. However, it is problematic that most candidates for adoption seek to adopt children under the age of 6 and without siblings, when more than 90% of children in institutions are older. 

Also, according to the National Social Service, between February 24, 2022, and January 1, 2024, 1786 children were left without parental care as a result of the military invasion (death, death of parents, lack of contact with parents). Out of 1786 children, 1188 children were recognized as orphans or children deprived of parental care. 

Ways to take a child into a family

In Ukraine, there is a platform " Ukraine for every child ", where in a single place you can get a step-by-step algorithm of actions to accept a child into your family, learn about adoption, family forms of education and patronage, find the right expert or expert, etc.

For those who want to take a child into a family, the platform's website has a section called "Care Line"where you can get an initial consultation. In this way, everyone can get answers to legal questions, as well as receive advice from social workers and support from a psychologist-consultant.

So there are several ways to take a child into a family. In particular, in Ukraine, in addition to adoption, there are such forms of family care as guardianship, foster care, family-type children's homes, and foster care. We offer to learn more about them.

adoption is a family for a child forever. 

An adopted child becomes a part of a new family on the basis of the rights of a born child, with the same rights and obligations as biological children. 

The family environment is exactly the place that creates a sense of security, trust and love in the child. This is the only form of education that guarantees the child stable and constant family support.

Foster family

This is a family that has taken in 1 to 4 children. Here, children receive warmth, support, and have the opportunity to grow and develop in safety and love. The state allocates funds for the maintenance of children. 

Family-type children's home

A large foster family or family – type orphanage is a family where children left without parental care are raised. Such a family can accept from 5 to 10 orphans, children deprived of parental care.

Patronage

The foster family provides the child with the necessary care and creates safe conditions for its development at a time when its biological family cannot perform its duties due to various reasons (illnesses, difficult life circumstances, loss of housing, etc.). In parallel with the child's stay in a foster family, social services work with his parents so that they can solve their problems and re-adopt the child.

guardianship and guardianship 

Guardianship — raising children in the family of a guardian/trustee. This form is provided mainly for relatives, but also for those who have received special training. You become the child's legal representative and are responsible for their life, health, physical and mental development. At the same time, the state provides financial support for the maintenance of the child.

Guardianship is established over children under 14 years of age. Guardianship is established over children from 14 to 18 years of age.

Every child in Ukraine should grow up in a safe and caring family and have opportunities for full and harmonious development.

Guardianship or foster care in Ukraine is one of the most common forms of family upbringing. More than 45 thousand children are brought up in families of guardians and foster parents. These are 3 out of 4 orphans and children deprived of parental care. 

UNN offers to read the story of the Sheremet family from Dnipropetrovsk region, who opened the doors of their home for three children.

The Sheremetev family took care of other people's children, two brothers and a sister: 11-year-old Arseny, 13-year-old Ilsei and little Adele. The girl turned two years old on August 10. In general, it is already the second year that children live in this family.

Why custody

Igor Viktorovich Sheremet worked on the railway for a long time, retired early, the man admits that the decision on guardianship was made jointly, with the whole family. Together with my wife, I called my daughter and talked to my grandson. My daughter said: Don't worry, we will all support the children together. 

I think with a cold mind, balanced. My wife Natalia is an emotional person. I admit that she can't imagine her life without children. This is her call. At one time, she worked both in school and in the hospital, where help is needed.  We knew about the situation with Arseny and Elisha. They wanted to take custody of these particular boys. We constantly consulted with the children's service. One day they asked what would happen to their little sister Adele. They explained to us that she could be sent to a special boarding school due to her health problems. We didn't want this and decided to take three people under guardianship

The Sheremets submitted an application and a package of necessary documents, after which a decision was made to establish guardianship. Of course, this was preceded by special training  and consultations with psychologists. The difference between custody and guardianship was explained to the husband and wife. In particular, they take care of a child under the age of 14. And they take care of a child aged 14 to 18. But both the guardian and the custodian are legal representatives of the child's interests. They are responsible for the child's life, health, physical and mental development. In general, the Sheremetts resolved all bureaucratic issues in a few months.

"The guys became adults very early. During the time that we have them, everything has changed: behavior, worldview, attitude to everyday life. We try to prepare children for adulthood. We talk about different life situations and they don't have rose-colored glasses. For example, from the very beginning we started a financial notebook, where we keep the family budget.  we shop together with our children so that they understand how and how the family lives. This is how their financial literacy is formed. Even two-year-old Adele has become more open. Previously, the girl was like a hedgehog. Now – a completely different child," Natalia shares with us.

She says that Issei is already worried about the future fate of her sister, whether she will stay in our family when she and her brother go into adulthood. Of course, Sheremets explain everything to the children, but at the same time they are happy that the children realize their responsibility for the fate of their loved ones. 

Everything is like a normal family

The boys are active, as they should be at their age. And their guardians support them, give them advice, and, of course, educate them, just like in a normal family. There are also reasons to be proud. Mr. Ihor and Mrs. Natalia can talk about it for hours. Yelisey is one of the best students in the class. He has certificates and letters of appreciation. He loves learning very much. Arseniy has a knack for cooking. He is a good host. Natalia cooks  in the kitchen, and he helps her.

Children live in a spacious house, on the street – swings and a swimming pool. One of the rooms is decorated with balloons. This Is For Your Birthday, says Natalia. We have a tradition: hang balloons, organize tea parties with goodies, and of course no holiday is complete without gifts.

"The boys go to school, attend clubs, and have friends. Unfortunately, the village doesn't have the same choice of clubs as the city, but they still find something they like. For example, I'm a fisherman, and the boys also love it. That's why we all go to the pond together at the first opportunity," Ihor Viktorovych continues his story.

However, this is not all family traditions. Every morning in the Sheremet family begins with physical education. They do everything together, both children and adults. 

"My wife and I show that there is a better life than sitting on the phone for hours on end. Also, when problematic issues arise, we all sit down together at a round table, discuss, and look for solutions. Adult life is not a walk in the park. There will be trials and difficulties. But strong people solve problems, so you need to develop physically and temper your character. This is the life science we teach children," Ihor Sheremet continues.

We felt supported everywhere

For almost two years of guardianship experience, the family admits that they have never regretted their decision. And no matter how difficult it was to raise children, they found support everywhere.

"The children's service has become our main adviser. We have a special type of relationship. We are not afraid of visits from specialists from the service, and the service respects us and our work. Sometimes they call, sometimes they find it. We have nothing to hide, so the doors are always open," says Natalia. 

And the village reacted to our decision with understanding. The village head  of Bozhedarovka immediately offered to buy a house at the expense of the community, but we already had comfortable living conditions. Also, the children were presented with bunk beds, and there is no question of providing food at all. 

When you take such a step and take responsibility for the children, do not expect that everything will be easy. This happens in every area. But I feel a lot of help throughout all the stages. Support doesn't end when children enter your home. It continues. I would also advise guardians to be able to keep their balance, unload, so that there is no burnout. This way you can help more children

Sheremets do not make a wish for the future, but as long as they are healthy, they plan to continue supporting children who find themselves in difficult life circumstances. 

more information about family forms of education can be found on the website "Ukraine for every child".