Visit to Sweden: Ukraine Adopts Inclusive Models of Child Support

Within the framework of the visit to Sweden, Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Denys Uliutin and First Deputy Minister Liudmyla Shemelynets visited leading Swedish institutions in the field of social support — the Ågrenska Rehabilitation Center for Children with Disabilities, the Family and Resource House and Barnahus Gothenburg. The visit took place with the participation of Sweden’s Minister for Social services Camilla Waltersson Grönvall.

The Ukrainian delegation learned about the organization and operation of Swedish centers, models of comprehensive support for children with disabilities and their families, and approaches to delivering high-quality social services.

“Ukraine and Sweden are reliable partners in advancing social policy. Our cooperation is based on shared values — care for children, support for families, and the development of a modern social services system. Sweden has strong experience in building an inclusive social support system that brings together state, municipal, and community resources. For us, it is essential to draw on these practices,” said Denys Uliutin, Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine.

The ministers visited the Ågrenska Center, a national center of competence dedicated to supporting people, particularly children with rare diseases and other disabilities, and training families and professionals who work with them. Its activities complement the support provided by the state, municipalities, and regions.

The delegation also visited Family and Resource House, is a newly established arena within the City of Gothenburg’s social services (Central District). It brings together several units that provide support and interventions for children, young people, and families. The delegation also met with staff from the Sandrna Family Center, which brings together a range of services for parents and children — from open preschool activities to expert consultations and medical support.

Ukraine and Sweden cooperate to ensure that every person has access to quality assistance and support, even in the most challenging times.

“Sweden is a long-term partner of Ukraine, and a long-standing and firm supporter of Ukraine’s EU accession process. Support for Ukraine is our top foreign policy priority – and a priority for me as Minister for Social Services. People in already vulnerable situations, such as children and persons with disabilities, are those most severely affected in times of war and crisis. I am proud of the close bilateral cooperation between Sweden and Ukraine, not least in the field of social policy. Our cooperation is mutually beneficial. We have much to learn from Ukraine, particularly when it comes to crisis preparedness within social services,” said Camilla Waltersson Grönvall.

Another unique location visited by the delegation was Barnahus Gothenburg — an example of an effective model that unites all services involved in responding to cases of violence against children, ensuring coordinated action. The center also provides children and their families with essential psychological and social support.

At Barnahus Gothenburg, social workers, police officers, prosecutors, pediatricians, and psychologists work together when there is suspicion that a child has been subjected to violence or other harm. All specialists receive special training, and the premises are designed to ensure that the child feels safe during meetings and interviews.

There are already 15 child protection centers operating in Ukraine based on the Barnahus model. This approach is internationally recognized as one of the most effective for investigative and procedural work with children who have experienced or witnessed violence.

The Barnahus model is built on the principles of child-friendly justice and a multidisciplinary approach, where all relevant services work together in a safe and child-centered environment. Such centers are already functioning in the Odesa, Zhytomyr, and Vinnytsia regions, as well as in other parts of Ukraine, providing children with comprehensive protection and support.

In addition, experimental projects are being implemented to promote integrated development and care for children with disabilities, including the introduction of early intervention services.

For reference, in May, the Government of Sweden announced the expansion of its support package in the social and health sectors. The total funding now amounts to USD 7.2 million, of which USD 2.25 million is explicitly directed to support the reform of Ukraine’s social policy system. A broader program will be implemented in 2025–2027, also aiming to support Ukraine on its path toward EU membership.

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