State Support for Children and Young People Returning from Deportation

This was emphasized by the Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, Denys Uliutin, during the international Justice Conference.

“Children returning from deportation receive a one-time state cash grant of UAH 50,000. The same support applies to young people aged 18–23 who were deported as minors,” he stated.

It should be recalled that the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has introduced a one-time state cash grant of UAH 50,000 for children returning from temporarily occupied territories or after deportation.

During the panel discussion “Stolen Future: How to Bring Back Ukrainian Children?”, the Minister emphasized that the return of Ukrainian children is not only a humanitarian mission, but also Ukraine’s response to the systematic crimes committed by the aggressor state.

“Russia has established a system that has systematically sought to alter the identity of Ukrainian children through its education system, institutional structures, and so-called patriotic upbringing. Therefore, this is not only about physical return, but also about restoring each child’s identity, trust, and sense of security,” Denys Uliutin stated.

The Government of Ukraine is currently implementing a comprehensive reintegration system with an individual support program for every deported child. It involves a step-by-step 18-month plan that includes the restoration of documents, the provision of temporary housing, continued work with the family or placement in family-based care, as well as psychological and social support at all stages of the child’s return and adaptation.

Overall, as part of the President’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, 2,003 children have been returned to Ukraine. Since 2023, coordinated support and reintegration measures have been provided to 1,276 children.

Among them, 110 children have been reunited with their parents or legal guardians; 61 children have been placed in family-based care; 1,102 children and their parents have received support and psychological assistance; 1,091 children have had their humanitarian needs met; 949 children have received assistance in restoring their documents; more than 300 children have been enrolled in education; living conditions have been improved for nearly 200 families; 429 children have received coverage for additional medical needs; 1,017 children have received financial assistance; and 270 children have benefited from recreation and rehabilitation programmes.

Denys Uliutin also expressed his gratitude to international partners for their comprehensive support to Ukraine in this area and emphasized that only coordinated and complementary efforts between the state and its partners can ensure the sustainable and effective reintegration of every child.

“I am extremely grateful to all our international partners for their consistent and steadfast support. It is of fundamental importance to us that, following a child’s return to Ukraine, a single reintegration programme is implemented without parallel tracks, through close coordination between state institutions and international assistance. This is how we can strengthen state capacity, because the return of children is a matter of justice, and their reintegration is our shared responsibility,” the Minister emphasized.

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