Inna Solodka Took Part in a Panel Discussion on Deinstitutionalization and the Development of Supported Living Services in Lviv

Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Inna Solodka took part in a panel discussion “Psychosocial Services in Wartime: Challenges, Solutions, Partnerships. Intersectoral Cooperation,” held on October 10 in Lviv.

The event was also attended by representatives of local authorities, civil society organizations, and international partners.

The parties discussed the need for change in the institutional care system. The deinstitutionalization reform is not about closing institutions but about developing community-based services, respecting individual choice, and ensuring that people can live in their own environment with the necessary support.

“People should live in their own communities — with services nearby and with respect for their choices. We are not closing institutions; we are creating opportunities for a dignified life within communities. This is a shared effort of the state, local authorities, and the civil society sector,” said Inna Solodka.

In her speech, she also outlined the key areas on which the Ministry is working to develop the system of psychosocial and social services in communities. In particular:

• expansion of supported living services — 41 service providers are participating in the pilot project, and about 600 contracts have been signed.
• development of psychosocial support — the Resilience Services are operating in 305 communities, and the number of psychologists in the social protection system has increased from 300 to 800.
• updating the regulatory framework — amendments have been introduced to the Law of Ukraine “On Social Services”, enabling the state to procure nationally significant services through an authorized organization. In addition, service providers listed in the official Register are exempt from VAT.

Special attention was given to the positive experience of the Lviv region, where supported living houses and apartments are already operating, and communities are actively introducing new models of support.

“The Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine continues to work on implementing the Deinstitutionalization Strategy until 2034, which is also part of Ukraine’s European integration commitments,” emphasized Inna Solodka.

It should be noted that 600 Resilience Center specialists have begun training with the support of the Council of Europe Development Bank.