Analysis of The Child Protection System in Ukraine

THE ILLUSION OF PROTECTION: AN ANALYTICAL REPORT BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM IN UKRAINE

This report identifies the issues with institutionalized care in Ukraine, urging for reform. The researchers have found that institutionalized environment children are raised in fosters abuse and violence against them. Many of these institutes are also unable to fulfill the basic needs of children, leaving children physically underdeveloped, develop “quasi-autistic” and attention-seeking behaviors, and suppressed brain development among other problems. They are unable to provide safe food, adequate clothing and proper medical care to the children there. Furthermore, many children are forced to work and lack proper education that would allow them to be independent. As a result, only 52% of the children living in institutions manage to leave once they graduate. The rest are forced to stay due to poverty. However, the Ukrainian government has failed to find effective ways to address these problems. As of yet, the “reform” announced by the government has barely changed anything about the established system. In fact, more and more institutions are simply renaming themselves to avoid prosecution. However, this meant that there are still increasing numbers of children filling up spots in orphanages in order for these institutions to continue receiving funding. Hence, Hope and Homes for Children urges the government to implement a nation-wide deinstitutionalization program. They recommend the Ukrainian government to gradually close down all childcare institutions while facilitate specialist training to support families in need.