Reforming the child care system requires joint efforts of NGOs and the state – Director of SOS Children’s Villages

Ukrainian NGOs have developed expertise in transforming the child protection system, which has already proven effective in pilot projects. However, in order to turn this experience into sustainable solutions, state support is essential.

This was emphasized by Serhii Lukashov, Director of SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine, during a press briefing on practical approaches to transforming children’s homes held at the Media Center Ukraine.

“We have tested and piloted all these experiences and are ready to share them. We are not starting from scratch – we have a foundation to build on. Ukrainian NGOs, communities and government agencies already have achievements to be proud of. And these examples can serve as compelling arguments to those who oppose reform. We must demonstrate, prove, and overcome resistance. Because every rational argument, the happy smiles of children, meets counter-arguments about budgets, money, “entrenched interests,” and so on. Here we have to weigh rational arguments against habit and tradition – and ultimately break that tradition,” Lukashov said.

According to him, NGOs can be more flexible in testing new approaches, but for these experiments to become standard practice, partnership with the state is crucial.

“As NGOs, of course, we can be more flexible in piloting, in testing new methods, in introducing and presenting international experience. But to put it into practice, to make it systemic rather than experimental – that, by definition, we cannot do alone. Our work with state agencies, local governments that manage institutions, regional structures and courts – where the process of formalizing a child’s status and placing him or her with a family often stalls – requires partnership with the state and the political will of our government partners. This is what we are counting on,” he stressed.

Lukashov also highlighted the civil sector’s ability to attract resources for social initiatives, which helps to reduce the burden on the budget. However, long-term sustainability requires changes at the political level.

“For our part, the most important thing is that we are ready to continue attracting additional funds. The civil sector in Ukraine currently enjoys high credibility among investment donors, primarily from Europe and other institutions. We can and do bring significant resources into the social sector, thereby reducing the burden on the state budget.

“But for this to become systemic, changes in the budget are inevitable – calculating the cost of child care, support services, and integrating them into the permanent framework of the Ministry of Health and social structures. To turn an experiment into a system, we need the cooperation of the state. We are ready to contribute our experience and qualified professionals. But without political will, without our joint efforts, we won’t get far – and we have to,” Lukashov concluded.

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