To Strengthen Social Support for People: Ministry of Social Policy and Caritas Ukraine Expand Cooperation
02/07/2025
The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine and the Caritas Ukraine network of charitable organizations have agreed on further steps to develop the social services system in Ukraine. The partners decided to update and expand their memorandum of cooperation to address new challenges, enhance collaboration, and consolidate effective developments – particularly in resilience-building, supported living, home care, and child support.
"Developing the social sector is impossible without partnerships with civil society. Today, public organizations don’t just complement the state’s efforts – they are full-fledged co-creators of social policy that focuses on each person’s needs and creates conditions for support in communities across the country. We highly value this partnership and want to continue jointly developing solutions that truly work for people," emphasized Oksana Zholnovych, Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine.
Meeting participants discussed transitioning the resilience-building social service from a pilot format to a permanent state service, expanding psychosocial support programs for children and adolescents, new models of supported living for internally displaced persons, and approaches to employment for people with disabilities. Special attention was given to developing home care services and supporting caregivers, as well as increasing community interest in procuring social services.
"We welcome the transformation of the social support system being implemented by the Ministry, particularly in opening the social services market to non-state providers, introducing the 'money follows the recipient' principle, and establishing a single purchaser of social services. Caritas teams across various regions are eager to continue piloting and improving social services in collaboration with the Ministry and to facilitate their sustainable implementation in Ukraine," said Tetiana Stavnycha, President of Caritas Ukraine.
Caritas Ukraine is one of the first non-state providers of social services funded by the state budget. The network’s organizations deliver resilience-building, supported living, home care, and other forms of assistance.
In particular, as part of the resilience-building service, Caritas operates 69 Resilience Centers across Ukraine. These spaces function in large cities, small communities, and villages, and are open to everyone – regardless of age, status, or life circumstances. Here, people can access professional psychological and social support, recovery resources, and the strength of community.
The partners stressed the importance of expanding cooperation now – at a time when Ukraine needs systemic solutions, trust between the state and its people, and support accessible to all.
Resilience Centers are spaces for psychological and social support, established by the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine under the nationwide mental health program "How Are You?" initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska. These centers operate across Ukraine as safe, inclusive spaces where people can receive free support, develop new skills, and find community. The resilience-building service is provided by both state and non-state providers, including organizations within the Caritas Ukraine network.