Iryna Tulyakova: 14% of Ukrainian children remain in institutional care for over five years

Fourteen percent of children in Ukraine’s institutional care have remained there for more than five years, while approximately 57% have been in such care for one to five years – a statistic that underscores the urgent need for deeper reforms in the child welfare system.

This was highlighted by Iryna Tulyakova, Head of the Coordination Center for the Family Upbringing and Child Care Development, during a press briefing at Media Center Ukraine.

“Only 29% of children stay in institutional facilities for up to one year,” Tulyakova stated. “This means that these children are usually either reunified with their biological families or adopted. However, 14% remain in institutional care for over five years — which is neither intended nor acceptable. About 57% stay longer than one year but less than five years.”

Tulyakova explained that while some children require extended care due to serious medical conditions, the need for palliative support, or placement in specialized foster families, there are also other non-medical factors contributing to prolonged stays in institutions.

“There are still reasons why children remain in institutional care for such extended periods. These reasons vary, and yes, many children do have serious conditions, require palliative care, or need to be placed in specialized foster families. But at the same time, there are also reasons unrelated to these factors,” she noted.

The expert stressed that future reforms must take an individualized approach, considering each child’s background, the circumstances that led to their placement, and how they can be transitioned into a family environment.

“In the context of transformation, it is essential for us to understand each child’s individual path, why they spend extended periods in institutional facilities, how the system supports them, and what steps are being taken to transition them into a family-based setting,” Tulyakova emphasized.

She also urged that the process of transforming baby homes be conducted thoughtfully and safely, with the unique needs of each child kept at the center of the effort.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news