From this month, the Cabinet of Ministers has introduced a new type of social assistance as part of the “Child is not alone” initiative – we are talking about young Ukrainians who have been left without parents, but have not received the status of orphans or children deprived of parental care.
This new social program, announced by Minister of Social Policy Maryna Zhulynovych, aims to provide support and care for children who have lost their parents at a young age, but are not officially recognized as orphans. These children often fall through the cracks of the existing social support system, as they do not meet the strict criteria for orphan status. This leaves them vulnerable and in need of assistance, which is why the “Child is not alone” program is a much-needed step in the right direction.
The program will provide financial support to these children, as well as access to education, healthcare, and other necessary services. It will also focus on finding suitable guardians or foster families for these children, to ensure they have a stable and loving environment to grow up in. This is a crucial aspect of the program, as it not only provides material support, but also emotional and psychological support for these children who have experienced such a traumatic loss.
The financial aspect of the program is also worth noting. The government has allocated 150 million hryvnias (around 5.5 million dollars) for the first year of the program. This money will be used to provide monthly financial assistance to the children, as well as cover the costs of their education and healthcare. This shows the government’s commitment to this issue and their understanding of the importance of investing in the future of these children.
The “Child is not alone” program has been met with widespread support and praise from both government officials and civil society organizations. It is seen as a much-needed step towards improving the lives of vulnerable children in Ukraine. The program also aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that every child has the right to a family and to be protected from all forms of violence and exploitation.
This initiative is not only beneficial for the children, but also for society as a whole. By providing support and care for these children, we are investing in the future of our country. These children are the future doctors, teachers, and leaders of Ukraine, and it is our responsibility to give them the best possible chance at a successful and fulfilling life.
The “Child is not alone” program is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens, especially the most vulnerable ones. It is a step in the right direction towards building a more inclusive and compassionate society. We hope that this program will continue to expand and reach even more children in need, and that it will serve as an example for other countries facing similar challenges.
In conclusion, the “Child is not alone” program is a much-needed and commendable initiative by the Ukrainian government. It provides crucial support and care for children who have lost their parents, but have not received the status of orphans. This program not only provides financial assistance, but also focuses on finding suitable guardians and foster families for these children, ensuring they have a stable and loving environment to grow up in. We applaud this initiative and hope to see it continue to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children in Ukraine.