Deadline: 14-Jan-2026
UNICEF is launching a comprehensive initiative in Ukraine to strengthen child protection and family reunification systems, with a focus on alternative care reform, workforce development, and decentralized implementation. The programme supports children and families across multiple regions, improving service quality, interagency coordination, and legislative frameworks while promoting family- and community-based care alternatives.
What is the Initiative?
The programme aims to enhance outcomes for vulnerable children and families by improving professional capacity, coordination, and quality of care across Ukraine. Key objectives include:
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Strengthening child protection and alternative care systems
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Supporting family reunification and community-based care
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Improving service delivery standards through training and mentoring
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Advancing policy and legislative reform in line with national and European standards
Geographic Scope
The initiative targets a wide range of Ukrainian regions, including:
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Odeska, Kyiv, Volynska, Lvivska, Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsya, Kherson, Poltava, Chernihivska, Kharkivska, Luhanska, Donetska, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts
Key Focus Areas
1. Workforce Development
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Training and Mentorship: Develop and update standardized training materials for practitioners
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Skill Enhancement: Build practical competencies to manage complex child protection cases
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Technical Support: Continuous mentoring and guidance for local-level staff
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Professional Standards: Improve interagency coordination and service quality
2. Legislative and Policy Reform
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Regulatory Alignment: Support government authorities in reviewing and improving childcare legislation
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Practical Guidance: Develop tools and guidance for local self-government bodies
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Consistency: Ensure reforms are implemented uniformly across all regions
3. Decentralized Alternative Care
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Local Authority Support: Provide technical leadership to regional and local actors
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Community Engagement: Strengthen family-based care systems through local participation
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Implementation of Better Care Strategy: Guide decentralized authorities in delivering child-centered approaches
4. Institutional Transformation
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Transition from Institutional to Family Care: Support baby homes and other facilities in completing transformation processes
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Best Practices Documentation: Record lessons learned and develop practical tools
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National Knowledge Sharing: Disseminate guidance to inform wider reform efforts
Who is Eligible?
The initiative primarily targets:
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Government authorities at national and local levels
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Local child protection agencies and practitioners
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Community-based organizations involved in alternative care
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Institutions undergoing transformation from residential to family-based care
How the Programme Works
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Assessment of Regional Needs: Interventions are tailored to regional challenges while maintaining national consistency
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Capacity Building: Continuous professional development through training, mentoring, and technical guidance
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Policy and Regulatory Support: Collaboration with government to align local practices with national and European standards
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Decentralized Implementation: Empower local authorities to deliver family- and community-based care
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Institutional Transformation: Transition selected facilities to family-based alternatives, documenting and sharing best practices
Expected Outcomes
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Improved quality of care for vulnerable children
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Stronger family reunification systems
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Enhanced skills and capacity of local practitioners
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Alignment of local and national policies with European standards
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Evidence-based institutional transformation to family-centered care
Tips for Partners and Applicants
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Engage multi-level stakeholders including local authorities and community organizations
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Align project activities with national policies and international best practices
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Emphasize evidence-based approaches and sustainability
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Ensure clear documentation and knowledge-sharing mechanisms
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which regions in Ukraine are included?
Odeska, Kyiv, Volynska, Lvivska, Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsya, Kherson, Poltava, Chernihivska, Kharkivska, Luhanska, Donetska, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts.
2. Who can participate in the initiative?
Government authorities, local child protection agencies, community-based organizations, and institutions transforming residential care to family-based care.
3. What is the main focus of the initiative?
Strengthening child protection, family reunification, workforce capacity, policy alignment, and institutional transformation toward family-based care.
4. How does the initiative support workforce development?
Through standardized training, skill development, mentoring, and technical guidance for practitioners at local levels.
5. How are legislative reforms supported?
By assisting government authorities in reviewing legislation, creating practical guidance, and ensuring uniform implementation across regions.
6. What is the role of local authorities?
Local authorities are empowered to implement the Better Care strategy, coordinate services, and engage communities in family-based care.
7. How is institutional transformation achieved?
Through technical support, documenting best practices, and transitioning baby homes and other institutions to family- and community-based care.
Why This Initiative Matters
This UNICEF programme is a comprehensive effort to strengthen Ukraine’s child protection systems. By combining policy reform, workforce development, decentralized implementation, and institutional transformation, it ensures that vulnerable children and families receive high-quality, sustainable, and child-centered care.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Ukraine Child Protection and Family Reunification Initiative represents a significant step toward improving the welfare of children across Ukraine. By supporting evidence-based reforms, local capacity building, and the shift to family-centered care, the programme delivers lasting benefits for children, families, and communities throughout the country.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
