Children evacuated from institutions abroad may be placed under guardianship or custodianship of Ukrainian citizens

Recently, the Government approved a number of changes proposed by the Ministry of Social Policy concerning the protection of children's rights. In particular, it is now permitted to place children who were evacuated abroad from round-the-clock care institutions due to the war under the guardianship or custodianship of Ukrainian citizens residing in Ukraine.

The regulatory framework stipulates that in the event of a child's return to Ukraine, placement in a family is a priority. Until now, children were placed in foster families, family-type children's homes (large foster families), or adoptive families, and if favorable conditions for reunification existed — in their biological families. From now on, the families of guardians and custodians have been added to this list.

The decision to place a child under guardianship or custodianship is made by the children's services at the place of residence (stay) of the candidate.

If the candidate for guardianship or custodianship is a relative of the child and is outside Ukraine, the child may be placed under their guardianship or custodianship. The decision is made by the guardianship and custodianship authority at the last place of residence of the guardian or custodian in Ukraine before their departure abroad.

It should be noted that a candidate for guardianship or custodianship who is in a family relationship with the child is not required to complete a training course on the upbringing of orphans and children deprived of parental care.

Every child needs a family. For children evacuated as part of institutional groups, placement in a family means full immersion in a Ukrainian environment and faster reintegration into society. It is also an opportunity to live in care, realize their potential, and for some children — a chance to reunite with siblings who were previously placed in family-based care.

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