Сhallenges of the ukrainian foster care system during martial law

Abstract

The ongoing conflict on Ukrainian territory has presented numerous challenges to society, with particular emphasis on the most vulnerable demographic - children. Thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes, leaving many children without proper care. Under these circumstances, the number of children in need of assistance has sharply increased. Consequently, foster care has emerged as one of the primary mechanisms for safeguarding the rights and welfare of children impacted by the war. This study aims to examine the organization of foster care in Ukraine under martial law, the challenges confronting the system, and potential strategies to ensure a safe and dignified life for children during this crisis. In accordance with Article 252 of the Family Code of Ukraine, foster care is defined as a form of temporary guardianship over children, designed to create a secure environment conducive to their development and upbringing. In Ukraine, foster parents assume responsibility for children who, for various reasons, cannot remain with their biological families. These reasons may include violence, poverty, or threats to the child's life and health. Numerous institutions that traditionally cared for children have either been damaged by the conflict or evacuated. Under these exceptional circumstances, foster care has become a critical tool for assisting children who have been deprived of parental care.