The Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine and Save the Children Discuss Partnership to Protect Children During the War

The team from the Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity, led by First Deputy Minister Liudmyla Shemelynets, held a meeting with representatives of Save the Children, including Osa Renner, Executive Director of Save the Children Sweden, and Sonia Khush, Director of Save the Children Ukraine. The meeting focused on strategic areas of partnership in implementing the European Child Guarantee in Ukraine.

The European Child Guarantee is an EU initiative designed to ensure that children in vulnerable categories have access to basic services and are protected from the risk of social exclusion.

“We are working on the implementation of the European Child Guarantee in Ukraine in close cooperation with international partners, including Sweden. Our joint efforts focus on preventing violence against children, developing services for children with disabilities, and strengthening the capacity of social workers. For the system of child support to function effectively, it is crucial to strengthen the institution of social workers significantly. Today, there is an acute shortage of specialists, and they are unable to address all needs fully. We are therefore preparing legislative changes to increase their number, expand their functions, and enhance their work to make it more effective and inclusive. This is a crucial task, because only then can we ensure that every child is heard and receives timely assistance,” emphasized Liudmyla Shemelynets.

The parties also discussed practical opportunities for cooperation in implementing the Child Guarantee, including Save the Children’s expert contribution to the development of the National Action Plan and support for the Ministry’s efforts in this area.

Another focus was cooperation within the Better Care Reform, particularly Save the Children’s contribution to deinstitutionalization and the promotion of family-based care, as well as the Ministry’s priorities in transforming the child care system to ensure that every child in Ukraine grows up in a safe and nurturing family environment with opportunities for full and harmonious development. The Government of Ukraine has recently expanded the possibilities for granting the status of a child affected by the war.

For Ukraine, the implementation of the European Child Guarantee means both the protection of children in wartime conditions — when they face daily dangers, food shortages, and psychological trauma — and the consolidation of efforts by the state, communities, and international partners into a unified system of support. At the same time, this is a crucial step towards European integration, as it aligns Ukraine’s child protection policies with European standards.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue practical cooperation, including expert support, exchange of experience, and coordination of joint steps, further to strengthen support for children and families in Ukraine.